From Cayman Islands Customs

Customs Officers arrested a Jamaican national on Saturday, 11^th November 2017 at the Owen Roberts International Airport with approximately 2 lbs. of cocaine which was concealed in hair products bottles. The 25 year-old male was arrested for the offences of Importation of Cocaine, Possession of cocaine and Possession of cocaine with intent to supply. The male passenger arrived on a Cayman Airways flight from Kingston, Jamaica when his luggage was x-rayed, searched and the illicit drug discovered. 

Following the arrest of the male passenger, Customs Officers also arrested a 59 year-old female Jamaican work permit holder for Being Concerned in the Importation of Cocaine. Assistant Collector of Customs Gidget Powell who has responsibility for the Customs Airport Section confirmed that the two arrests were related. She said “Despite the creativity of smugglers, Customs officers continue their diligence in an effort to identify and curtail smuggling and other criminal activities at our Customs controls.”  

Deputy Collector of Customs Jeff Jackson who has responsibility for the Customs Border Protection Portfolio said that this was not the first time that persons have attempted to smuggle illicit drugs under the guise of such products and will often use alternative methods to ensure that their illicit products are not seized by the authorities.

Collector of Customs Charles Clifford in commending the Customs Officers involved in this seizure of illicit drugs said, “Customs Officers have once again demonstrated their industriousness with this seizure of cocaine and I sincerely thank them for their thoroughness. As we continue to develop and employ risk management and intelligence led strategies, we anticipate that seizures of contraband at our Customs control points will increase.”

Investigations are currently ongoing by the Customs Narcotics Enforcement Team.

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IMAGE: Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department