Four Tourists Fined In Different Cases For Importation Of Ganja Cigarettes, Psilocin, & Cannabinoid Derivatives At Owen Roberts International Airport. No Jail Time Noted.

By Alric Lindsay

Today, November 20, 2024, Justin Guadagnoli, Michael Kandhorov, Daniel Murray, and Alessandra Venore, each of whom travelled from the United States to Grand Cayman this month, pled guilty to importing drugs into Owen Roberts International Airport. They were fined, and no jail time was applied.

Justin Guadagnoli

In the case of Guadagnoli, it was explained in the Summary Court that he arrived with his young family at Owen Roberts International Airport on November 13, 2024. After a search, Customs and Border Control officers found 15 pieces of gummies containing less than 2 ounces of a D90 THC cannabinoid derivative.

Reportedly, Guadagnoli made full admissions during an interview, noting that he takes the gummies to help with a sleep disorder.  Reportedly, he did not appreciate that the gummies were not legal in the Cayman Islands.

Before Magistrate Gunn sentenced him, his attorney, Oliver Grimwood, asked the Summary Court to consider not recording a conviction against him. If a drug importation conviction was recorded, he would have to declare that on immigration forms, which could cause issues while travelling.

Attorney Oliver Grimwood of Samson Law Associates

In response, Magistrate Gunn warned Guadagnoli and other tourists present in the Summary Court gallery that although gummies may be legal in some parts of the United States of America, “These drugs are considered hard drugs in the Cayman Islands and are very, very serious.”

Turning to his lawyer’s request that no conviction be recorded, Magistrate Gunn explained that it would need to be an “exceptional situation” where strong reasons must be established for not reporting a conviction.

In the circumstances, Magistrate Gunn determined that Guadagnoli’s need to travel with his children to explore university options was not a sufficient reason to declare exceptional circumstances in his case.  Accordingly, Magistrate Gunn recorded the conviction.

Additionally, Magistrate Gunn imposed a fine of $900 or Guadagnoli would have to serve 90 days in jail in default.  She ordered Guadagnoli to pay $315.75 or face 31 days imprisonment in default for drug testing costs. The drugs were forfeited for destruction.

Michael Kandhorov

Next, the Summary Court heard the case of Michael Kandhorov. 

He arrived at Owen Roberts International Airport on November 14, 2024, carrying 20 gummies. However, he did not appreciate that they were illegal in the Cayman Islands. He admitted that the gummies were his and did not attempt to conceal them.

Before sentencing, his attorney, Oliver Grimwood, requested that no conviction be recorded, given his good character and impact on his job. 

Regarding his job, Kandhorov is involved in commercial real estate, particularly warehousing projects. He was in the Cayman Islands, completing final negotiations for a project.

At sentencing, Magistrate Gunn agreed not to record a conviction against Kandhorov because it would have serious consequences on his business, which would directly impact his employees.  That it is, the exceptional circumstances for not recording a conviction were declared because of the impact on his employees rather than Kandhorov’s personal travel requirements.  He was conditionally discharged for two years, meaning he must not commit another crime in the Cayman Islands during that time.

While no conviction was recorded, Magistrate Gunn ordered that he pay $1,400 in costs or serve three months imprisonment.

Daniel Murray and Alessandra Venore

Lastly, Daniel Murray and Alessandra Venore were charged jointly for the importation of ganja, chocolates containing ganja, gummies, and Psilocin.

Murray and Venore, a couple who arrived in the Cayman Islands on November 13, 2024, on a flight from Georgia, United States, were reportedly asked by CBC officers if they had any illicit substances. While they denied that they had any, CBC officers subsequently found two pre-rolled Ganja cigarettes, chocolate-coated bites containing ganja weighing less than two ounces, Ganja gummies weighing 11.6 grams and 1.63 grams of Pscilocin, a vape cartridge and mushrooms. Reportedly, the couple was unaware that the drugs were illegal in the Cayman Islands.

Before sentencing, the Summary Court was told by Attorney Greg Walcom that Venore and Murray used some of the drugs for anxiety, and they were legally bought in California.

Additionally, Walcom asked the Summary Court to consider not recording convictions against the couple due to the possible impact on their employment.  In Murray’s case, he may not be able to get a real estate license if he’s convicted.

Attorney Greg Walcom From Murray & Westerborg Attorneys-At-Law

After considering Walcom’s submissions on behalf of Venore and Murray, Magistrate Gunn ruled that there were no exceptional circumstances since their personal situations did not outweigh their criminality. She, therefore, recorded convictions against them.

Lastly, Magistrate Gunn ordered the following:

1. Payment of $300 or 30 days in jail in default for the importation of pre-rolled Ganja cigarettes.
2. Payment of $300 or 30 days in prison for the importation of chocolates containing Ganja.
3. Payment of $200 each or 20 days in prison for importation of gummies.
4. Payment of $500 each or 50 days in prison in default for the importation of Psilocin.
5. Payment of $1,535.25 or 60 days of prison for the cost of forensic testing of the drugs.
6. Drugs were ordered forfeited for destruction.

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