The three Jamaican nationals arrested last week (22 January 2013) following the interception of a drug canoe have now been charged by the RCIPS.

The 57, 44 and 43-year-old men have been charged with importation of ganja and possession of ganja with intent to supply.

They remain on remand following their first appearance in court on Immigration offences.

It is anticipated they will appear in court in connection with the criminal offences on Tuesday ( 5 February 2013).

About 9.40pm on Tuesday, 22 January 2013 , Marine Unit officers were on patrol aboard Niven D in the waters off East End when they spotted a canoe inside the reef. They immediately initiated a land, air and sea operation involving officers from the Eastern Districts, the Uniform Support Group and the RCIPS Air Operations Unit. As the drugs boat landed, officers chased and arrested the three Jamaican nationals who had been on board the canoe. Several rounds of ammunition and approximately 300 (three hundred) pounds of Ganja were recovered.

Acting  Superintendent Richard  Barrow said. “ This operation clearly demonstrates how a well-coordinated air, land and sea response can be successful in stopping drugs and ammunition reaching the streets of the Cayman Islands and causing devastation in our communities. We would continue to  urge anyone who has information concerning the importation of drugs, ammunition or firearms to contact us via the confidential tip-lines available. “