Visitor Fined For Importation Of 79.8 Grams Of Cannabinol Derivatives
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By Alric Lindsay
In the Summary Court today, January 22, 2025, a visitor from the United States was fined $315.75 for importation of cannabinol derivatives in the form of gummies. No conviction was recorded.
Background
Setting out the background of the incident, crown counsel from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions explained that the woman arrived at the Owen Roberts International Aiprort on January 16, 2025, on a Southwest Airlines flight from Orlando.
The woman was stopped in the “nothing to declare” line by Customs & Border Control officers for a secondary verification. When CBC officers asked whether there was anything in her luggage they should be aware of, the woman stated that she had edibles used to assist her to sleep.
Upon completion of CBC’s search, 20 gummies were found in a ziplock bag weighing 79.8 grams.
The woman was arrested for suspicion of importation of a controlled drug.
Reportedly, when the woman was interviewed, she said the gummies were legal in Maryland where she lives and wasn’t aware they were not legal in the Cayman Islands.
Sentencing
Arguing on her behalf, attorney Oliver Grimwood reiterated that gummies were “fully legalized in Maryland” and she made full admissions to the authorities when questioned about the gummies.
Grimwood added that the gummies were used to help with the woman’s anxiety and migraines and were purely for medicinal purposes.
Concerning any sentence that may be imposed by the Summary Court, Grimwood queried whether the Summary Court would record a conviction. He made this query because of the possible impact on her job as a recruiter for blood donors at a hospital. With a conviction, it may be challenging for her to work in her field. Any loss of employment would also impact her ability to provide for her family.
After hearing from prosecution and defence counsels, the Chief Magistrate accepted that the gummies were for medicinal purposes.
The Chief Magistrate added, “I accept that because of the occupation you hold, there is substantial personal mitigation…”
Bearing in mind all of the above, the Chief Magistrate found exceptional circumstances in the woman’s case and ordered an unconditional discharge. The woman was also asked to pay $315.75 for the cost of the drug certificate or spend 3 weeks in prison in default of payment.
