FIVE INDIVIDUALS ARRESTED AFTER CBC INTERCEPTS TWO MAJOR DRUG IMPORTATION ATTEMPTS

Grand Cayman, December 8, 2025 – The Customs and Border Control Service (CBC) recently disrupted two major drug-importation attempts, resulting in the arrest of five individuals and the seizure of significant quantities of illegal narcotics. In total, more than 75 pounds of illegal drugs were seized across the two unrelated incidents.

On 24 October, 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.

In a separate incident on 25 November, CBC officers identified a suspicious shipmentarriving from the United States of America. Upon inspection, CBC officers recovered approximately 61 pounds of ganja and a quantity of mushrooms concealed inside the unit. Two individuals were arrested in connection with this matter.

Both matters are active investigations, and no further details will be released at this time to protect the integrity of ongoing enquiries.

Senior Deputy Director Kevin Walton stated, “These seizures demonstrate the vigilance and professionalism of our officers, as well as CBC’s ongoing commitment to protecting our borders. Individuals who attempt to exploit import channels to bring illegal substances into the Cayman Islands will be identified and prosecuted.”

Deputy Director Marlon Bodden, 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. We are committed to identifying all aspects of the criminal operation, pursuing their assets, and dismantling the entire organisation.”

Hon. Minister Nickolas DaCosta, Minister for District Administration and Home Affairs, stated, “CBC’s continued successes highlight the importance of strengthening intelligeince-led operations to keep our 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. I commend CBC for their ongoing dedication and urge members of the public to continue supporting their efforts.”

CBC continues to work closely with domestic and international law-enforcement partners to safeguard import channels and keep the Cayman Islands safe. These substances pose significant risks to the health, safety, and wellbeing of our communities, and CBC officers remain steadfast in their mission to prevent them from reaching our shores.

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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About the Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control Service (CBC):
The Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control (CBC) is responsible for the
protection of our borders, the management of travel, the collection of import duties, package tax, and warehouse fees under the Customs and Border Control Law and Regulations.