Travellers to Cayman need to think twice before packing that pepper spray, soil, ecstasy – or ganja-leaf socks. According to the Ministry of Border Control, Labour and Culture’s 2024 annual report, CBC officers had a record-breaking year in 2024, seizing almost 13,000 pounds of prohibited and restricted items such as these at Owen Roberts International Airport – the highest annual volume in four years.
From pharmaceuticals and firearms to crossbows and meat, CBC’s baggage control unit saw it all. But one item continued its reign as the airport’s most confiscated contraband, categorised as ‘Ganja (Vegetable Matter)’.
In total, 387 seizures were recorded at the airport in 2024. Pharmaceutical products made up a hefty 27% of all seizures, holding steady from 2023. Popular culprits included PDE5 inhibitors (for erectile dysfunction), antibiotics, CBD/THC gummies and SSRIs (antidepressant medications).
Also making appearances: slingshots, gel blasters, smoking utensils, crossbows, batons, firearms, cocaine, ecstasy and card-skimming devices.
A large share of the seizures – more than 10,455 pounds or 82% – came through voluntary surrender via airport ‘amnesty bins’, marking a 1,717% increase from the year before. The bins were introduced to reduce risk and encourage compliance – and appear to be achieving that goal.
In a significant development, CBC also recorded a 259% rise in agricultural interceptions, thanks to close work with the Department of Agriculture to prevent the introduction of pests and diseases through smuggled plants, meats, soil and animals.
Plant products dominated the haul, making up 11,637 pounds of the total. There were also over 1,000 pounds of meat products, five pounds of soil, eight cases of live animals and five cases of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) protected species, which could include everything from rare orchids to exotic birds.
The majority of interceptions originated from Jamaica, totalling more than 900 pounds. India, the United States and the Philippines followed close behind.
CBC’s enforcement teams also uncovered contraband in private aircraft and relocation shipments, including ganja-themed gear such as T-shirts, bracelets, socks, hemp oils and lotions; prohibited weapons, for example daggers, flick knives and Hawaiian slings; and gambling-related items such as poker sets. During a private aircraft inspection at the General Aviation Terminal, officers seized a Springfield 9mm firearm and seven hollow-point bullets.
The Sister Islands also recorded contraband seizures. Officers recorded 44 confiscations on Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, including prescription medicine like birth control pills and antibiotics, THC vape cartridges, fake bullets, pepper spray and ganja-themed merchandise.
The spike in seizures coincides with over 1.26 million people – which include tourists and returning visitors – arriving or departing the Cayman Islands on 24,338 flights last year. CBC officers also refused entry to 162 individuals, mostly at Owen Roberts International Airport.
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Why are they confiscating prescription medications like birth control pills and antibiotics?
But very happy we are being protected from ganja patterned socks. /s