Police fear drug dealers could be targeting young people on Cayman’s most famous beach.
The warning comes after five people were arrested during a crackdown at Seven Mile Public Beach last week.
Several packets of ganja were recovered in the operation. The illegal drugs appeared to be professionally packaged in colourful bags featuring anime-style characters and designs.
Inspector Leslie Laing-Hall, head of community policing, said, “We want to draw attention to the type of packaging used in these seizures, which could be designed to appeal to younger persons.
“We think it’s important to alert members of the public, especially parents and guardians, of this new way to conceal illegal drugs.”
Laing-Hall, in a statement as part of a Royal Cayman Islands Police Service press release, added, “As a community we must be vigilant to the tactics employed by those taking part in illegal activity to target our young people”.
Last Thursday’s arrests came in response to public concerns about the consumption and sale of illegal substances on the beach, the press release indicates.
While drug dealing is not uncommon in Cayman, this kind of activity is relatively rare on the island’s beaches – particularly the main tourist hot spots along the Seven Mile stretch.
A police operation, supported by Customs and Border Control, the Department of Commerce and Investment and the Public Lands Commission, took place Thursday, 28 July.
Several people were searched and several packets of ganja were recovered. Five people, including two men from West Bay, 36 and 31, two men from George Town, 27 and 28, and a 23-year-old woman from Bodden Town woman, were arrested on suspicion of drug-related offences.
All five were bailed pending further investigations.
Police encourage the general public to report suspicious activities and person loitering in public places, who appear to be carrying out illegal activities.
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It’s unfortunate this raid only took place after the public reported their concerns. What happened to the beach patrols by the police, on their beach buggies, they seem to have disappeared like all the speed traps. Covid doesn’t prevent these activities so the police need to become more pro-active rather than re-active.