A Caymanian woman and two Jamaican men have been arrested in connection with the seizure of 200 fentanyl tablets that were concealed in an incoming package at the Airport Post Office late last month.
The Customs and Border Control Service, in a press release issued Tuesday, said that the investigation into the seizure remains “active”.
The statement said CBC officers discovered the illicit narcotic on 24 Feb. during the inspection of a package at the Airport Post Office Parcel Post.
Four days later, on 28 Feb., CBC officers arrested the 32-year-old Caymanian woman and a 47-year-old Jamaican male, both living in East End, for the offence of being concerned with the importation of fentanyl.
On Saturday, 4 March, a 38-year-old Jamaican male, who also lives in East End, was arrested in connection with the case.
Usage has deadly consequences
CBC said it has already encountered local cases where milder forms of controlled drugs, which were seized, were infused or tainted with more lethal substances, such as fentanyl.
CBC Director Charles Clifford praised the CBC officers for their detection as he warned against the use of the deadly drug.
“Consuming Fentanyl, even in a very minute quantity, can be fatal,” he warned, in the press release.
Clifford said that while it is reassuring to again “witness the dedication and vigilance of our CBC officers on the frontline, it is very worrying that we continue to see the deadly drug Fentanyl being imported into our country”.
He noted that it is well known that drug dealers will mix this drug with other street drugs prior to sale, adding, “therefore the consumer is sometimes unaware that they are consuming a cocktail of drugs that could instantly kill them”.
Minister for Border Control and Labour Chris Saunders commended the “great work” by the CBC officers in stopping the dangerous drug from entering the Cayman community.
“Such a seizure shows that we are diligently protecting our borders on all fronts. I encourage everyone to take the time out to familiarise themselves with this deadly drug and remain vigilant at all times,” he added in the release.
CBC said its investigations and frontline teams will continue their efforts and “utilize all available means at their disposal” to respond to all threats at local borders.
“Part of the effort is a combined approach that involves the strength of enduring partnerships with the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) in the fight against the various acts involving illegal substances,” it added.
CBC, in its statement, said that data currently available from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention pointed to 71,238 fentanyl overdose deaths in the US in 2021.
“Users and handlers of Fentanyl have been known to experience symptoms such as hemorrhaging, severe physical pain and organ failure which often lead to death,” it said.
The CBC added the concern is exacerbated because illicitly produced fentanyl comes in many colours and forms including tablet, power, crystals and liquid.
“The concern is not just the health and safety of the general public but also for the welfare of Law Enforcement personnel at the border and elsewhere whom in the daily course of their duties, put themselves in harm’s way when handling such illicit and deadly drugs,” the CBC warned.
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