👮‍♂️ 26 arrested for smuggling drugs and weapons in Cayman Islands

The Customs and Border Control (CBC) in the Cayman Islands has arrested 26 individuals for smuggling drugs or weapons in a two-month period from 15 December to 15 February. The arrests were made at the Owen Roberts International Airport (ORIA) and included one person for smoking on a plane. The interceptions, which involved substances such as ganja and ecstasy, as well as ammunition and guns, were the result of intelligence work by customs officers. 🕵️‍♂️

In December 2023, five people were arrested at ORIA for drug and gun offences, including possession and importation of ganja, possession of an unlicensed firearm, and possession of a prohibited weapon. In January, 15 travellers were arrested for drug offences, including possession and importation of ganja, possession of ecstasy, and possession of THC vape pens and THC gummies. Two were arrested for possession of an unlicensed firearm. February saw six more arrests for drug offences. The CBC also assisted the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service in an operation that led to the recovery of an unlicensed firearm, large sums of cash, and illicit drugs. 🚔

Of the 29 people arrested, 22 non-Caymanians and five Caymanians have been charged and fined a total of CI$30,200. Some cases are still under investigation. CBC Director Charles Clifford commended the officers for their commitment to intercepting illegal drugs and weapons at the borders, praising their skills, training, and use of technology in safeguarding the nation's security. The interceptions were made possible through intelligence-led training and skills used by CBC officers at ORIA and the Charles Kirkconnell International Airport. They also participate in joint operations with the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service and Workforce Opportunities and Residency Cayman. 💼