Tourists Fined For Importation Of Cannabinol Derivatives In The Form Of Gummies
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By Alric Lindsay
Today, March 17, 2025, two tourists, Victoria Helena Cook and Ellen Elizabeth Guisto, appeared in the Summary Court to face charges of importation of cannabinol derivatives in the form of gummies. Cook was fined $1,031.50 and had no conviction recorded, while Guisto was fined $3,313 but had a conviction recorded.
Details of Cook’s case
According to the prosecution, Cook arrived at Owen Roberts International Airport on a Delta Airlines flight from Atlanta, Georgia, on March 10, 2025.
Reportedly, she was in the “nothing to declare” line when Customs & Border Control officers asked her to declare the contents of her luggage. When asked whether she had any marijuana, THC or CBD products, she admitted to having CBD gummies.
As CBC officers continued their search, they found a Ziplock bag with 10 gummies containing Delta 9 THC. The total weight was 59.9 grammes.
Cook was subsequently arrested and interviewed under caution.
Reportedly, she told officers that it was her first time travelling to the island and she was unaware of the drug laws.
Arguing on her behalf, defence attorney Prathna Bodden explained that Cook is a 30-year-old hairdresser and mom of two kids who is visiting the Cayman Islands for the first time. Cook saved points for a period of time and used them for her Cayman vacation.
Defence counsel explained that Cook legally purchased the items, which were used anxiety and PTSD.
In the circumstances, defence counsel asked Magistrate McFarlane to consider giving Cook credit for her early guilty plea and take into account that she is a person of limited means.
After hearing from defence and prosecution counsels, Magistrate McFarlane said:
“No one should be travelling outside of their jurisdiction of being fully cognizant of the laws.
The real question for me is whether or not to record a conviction.”
After considering the relevant factors, Magistrate McFarlane ordered that Cook pay a fine of $400 and $631.50 for the cost of completing the drug certificate. No conviction was recorded against her.
Details of Guisto’s case
The prosecution explained in the Guisto case that she arrived in Grand Cayman on March 8, 2025, on a Delta flight from Atlanta, Georgia.
Reportedly, Guisto was in the “nothing to declare” line when she was asked to verify the contents of her luggage.
A search was conducted and a sealed container was discovered.
A further search was conducted of her suitcase, and more containers were found.
Reportedly, the search revealed the following:
(a) 10 pieces of Sativa gummies containing D9 THC weighing 44.3 grammes
(b) 10 more pieces of the Sativa gummies weighing 45.5 grammes
(c) 10 pieces of cannabis-infused gummies.
She was taken to the Cayman Islands Detention Centre, where she was interviewed.
During her interview, she confirmed that she had the items discovered.
She noted that she had previously travelled to the Cayman Islands last year but was not aware that the items were illegal here.
Arguing on her behalf, the defence counsel explained that Guisto is from New York and the gummies are legal there for recreational purposes. Reportedly, Guisto uses the gummies for anxiety due to her stressful job as a nurse.
After hearing from defence and prosecution counsels, Magistrate McFarlane said:
… you cannot travel internationally without making yourself educating yourself about the rules and laws of other countries.
It is just not good enough.
Magistrate McFarlane added that Guisto had previously travelled to the Cayman Islands and should have been aware of rules against the importation of cannabinol derivatives.
In the circumstances, Magistrate McFarlane fined Guisto $600 per charge, amounting to $1,800. This was subsequently reduced to $1,200. Magistrate McFarlane added $400 for the cost of CBC processing the matter and $1,713 for the cost of a drug certificate.
Both Guisto and Cook were advised of their right to appeal.
