The Customs and Border Control Service, also known as CBC, recently disrupted two major drug-importation attempts, resulting in the arrest of five people and the seizure of more than 75 pounds of illegal drugs.
On 24 Oct., CBC officers intercepted a shipment arriving from Jamaica in which approximately 15 pounds of ganja and 52 ecstasy pills were discovered. Three individuals were subsequently arrested on suspicion of involvement in the importation operation, said the CBC in a press release.
In a separate incident on 25 Nov., CBC officers identified a suspicious shipment
arriving from the United States. Upon inspection, CBC officers recovered approximately 61 pounds of ganja and a quantity of mushrooms concealed inside the unit. CBC said two individuals were arrested in connection with this incident.
“These seizures demonstrate the vigilance and professionalism of our officers, ” said Kevin Walton, senior deputy director. He added, “Individuals who attempt to exploit import channels to bring illegal substances into the Cayman Islands will be identified and prosecuted.”
Marlon Bodden, deputy director and head of the CBC investigation portfolio emphasised that, “The most effective approach to combating drug-trafficking crimes is to utilise the
enterprise theory of investigations. This theory focuses on addressing entire criminal organisations rather than just individual actors.”
Bodden added, “We are committed to identifying all aspects of the criminal operation, pursuing their assets and dismantling the entire organisation.”
Home Affairs Minister Nickolas DaCosta said CBC’s continued success highlights the importance of strengthening intelligence-led operations to keep Cayman’s borders secure.
“Protecting the Cayman Islands is a shared responsibility and the public plays a critical role by reporting any suspicious activity to CBC Officers. Together, we can ensure our Islands remain safe for everyone who lives and works here, said DaCosta.”
CBC said these illegal substances pose significant risks to health, safety and the wellbeing of our community and that it continues to work closely with domestic and international law-enforcement partners to safeguard import channels.
Both matters are under active investigation and no further details will be released at this time to protect the integrity of ongoing enquiries, said CBC.
Members of the public with information related to drug-trafficking activities, firearms, or
other crimes are encouraged to contact the CBC Intelligence Hotline at 1-800-534-2546
or submit tips anonymously through Cayman Crime Stoppers at 800-TIPS (8477).
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