Customs & Border Control Service (CBC) intercepted several Illegal substances and weapons from persons entering or exiting the Islands between 15^th December 2023 and 15^th February 2024. 

Within the month of December 2023, six (6) persons arriving at Owen Roberts International Airport (ORIA) were arrested with the following offences: Two (2) for the Possession of and Importation of Marijuana (ganja); two (2) for the Possession of Unlicensed Firearm (Ammunition); one (1) for Possession of an Unlicensed Firearm (magazine); and one (1) for Possession of a Prohibited Weapon (Taser) which was recovered during a search of a local residence which was connected to one of the importations of ganja cases. 

Within the month of January 2024, there were eleven (11) persons arrested for the Possession and Importation of Marijuana (ganja); one (1) for the Possession of Ecstasy; one (1) for the Possession of THC Vape Pens and THC Gummies and; two (2) for the Possession of an Unlicensed Firearm (Ammunition) and a person was also charged with committing a Reckless & Negligent Act and Endangering the Safety of an Aircraft after he was discovered smoking onboard an inbound aircraft.

In February 2024, three (3) persons were arrested for the Possession of Marijuana; two (2) for the Importation of Marijuana (ganja) and one (1) for the Offence of Being Concerned in the Importation of Marijuana (ganja). 

In February, CBC officers assisted the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) with an operation that resulted in the recovery of an unlicensed firearm, large sums of cash and illicit drugs whereby a Caymanian was charged with Possession of an Unlicensed Firearm and Possession of Cocaine. The matter remains an active investigation. 

CBC Director Charles Clifford states, “I sincerely thank and commend our dedicated CBC Officers for their unwavering commitment to intercepting illegal drugs and weapons at our borders. Their exceptional skills, rigorous training, and adept use of cutting-edge technology play a pivotal role in safeguarding our nation’s security. Through their vigilance and professionalism, we honor our duty to protect our citizens and uphold the integrity of our borders. Their efforts are laudable and invaluable to our nation’s safety.”

These interceptions remain a testament to the intelligence-led training and skills the CBC officers continue to use daily with all persons entering or exiting the Owen Roberts International Airport in Grand Cayman or the Charles Kirkconnell International Airport in Cayman Brac. Operations are also carried out locally in partnership with the RCIPS and Workforce Opportunities and Residency Cayman (WORC). 

Minister for Border Control, Labour & Culture, Hon. Dwayne Seymour said, “As Minister of Border Control, Labour, and Culture, I commend the steadfast dedication of our CBC Officers in safeguarding our shores from the scourge of illegal drugs and weapons. Their unwavering commitment ensures the safety and security of our nation. Let this serve as a reminder to all visitors entering our country: respect our laws, uphold our values, and abide by the rules of the land. Together, we preserve the integrity of our borders and uphold the sanctity of our society.”

The offences were charged against twenty-two (22) non-Caymanians and five (5) Caymanians which carried fines totaling CI$30,200. Some cases remain active investigations.