Cayman International School Teacher Appears In Court For Importation Of 62 Gummies. Case Adjourned To Consider How To Deal With The Matter As He Is A Cayman Resident & Not A Tourist
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By Alric Lindsay
A 27-year-old teacher at the Cayman Islands International School, referred to as Ivan Derig France IV, appeared in the Summary Court today, September 15, 2025, to face a charge of importation of 62 gummies containing THC. The case was adjourned by Magistrate McFarlane to allow for a social inquiry report to be produced, which would assist with his sentencing. Magistrate McFarlane noted that the circumstances were different from those in previous cases involving tourists, as France is a resident of the Cayman Islands. France was granted bail until his sentencing date, which is expected to be October 27, 2025. He also made a request to travel this Friday; however, that was denied.
Background
Based on statements made by Crown Counsel from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, France arrived at the Owen Roberts International Airport on August 1, 2025, on an American Airlines flight from Miami, Florida.
France exited the customs area via the “nothing to declare” line and was subsequently selected for a random secondary inspection, which included an X-ray of his luggage.
Although only food and clothing were reportedly seen on the screen, a Customs & Border Control officer decided to conduct a physical inspection of the luggage.
Reportedly, when the CBC officer asked France what was in the bag, he said, “Just clothing, obviously.”
However, upon completion of the luggage search, the CBC office found four packages containing 62 gummies.
When asked whether he knew that THC items were illegal in the Cayman Islands, he reportedly said “yes.” He also reportedly indicated that he had researched the laws on ganja possession in the Cayman Islands and knew it was illegal.
Arguing on his behalf, Defence Counsel Crister Brady explained that France had difficulty sleeping and used gummies back home in Boston to assist him.
Defence Counsel added that France brought them in, hoping that he would be able to use them while he was here until he could find something else, presumably prescription drugs.
As to how the consequences of the gummy importation offence may affect France, Defence Counsel said that since France was a teacher at the Cayman International School, a sentence is likely to impact his employment.
Defence Counsel asked the court to consider that France is only 27 years old and has no previous convictions. He has also been in Cayman for less than two months.
After hearing from counsels, Magistrate McFarlane said:
As far as I’m concerned, his culpability is quite high because there was a very clear intent to deceive Customs and Border Control because you know what you’re doing is wrong.
You may have heard me make a request for the declaration cards.
We will be asking to see what persons are entering on their declaration cards.
Magistrate McFarlane added:
Harm is relatively low in the circumstances, but culpability is a problem to me.
The fact, too, that we have a local resident who is a teacher is also of considerable concern.
Magistrate McFarlane continued:
I’ll just reiterate what the statute says.
… the maximum penalty is 15 years.
…the court is considering whether perhaps the custody threshold might be passed on the culpability alone.
Magistrate McFarlane concluded:
We would like to deal with these matters quickly…. [but] it’s not quite what I thought it was in that we have a visitor who came here on vacation.
He is a local resident who is charged with the care and education of children.
Rather than sentencing France today, Magistrate McFarlane ordered that a short-form social inquiry report be prepared for France, which would outline matters for the court to consider when determining the ultimate sentencing on October 27, 2025.
France was granted bail until his sentencing date.
His bail conditions were as follows:
- His passport will be retained until the conclusion of proceedings.
- A stop notice will be issued, prohibiting him from travelling or applying to leave the jurisdiction.
