Three Jamaican Men & One Caymanian Man Appear In Court, Charged With Trafficking 1,583 Pounds Of Ganja
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By Alric Lindsay
Jamaican men Erick Anthony Bandoo, Garwayne Benjamin, Alverang Anthony Levy, and Caymanian Ricky William Manderson appeared in the Summary Court today, August 20, 2025, for a mention of the allegations against them of illegal trafficking of 1,583 pounds of ganja, possession of ganja with intent to supply and conspiracy to import ganja. Manderson, the only Caymanian in the group, was also charged with illegal landing and human smuggling. The case was adjourned to September 4, 2025, to obtain more information, ensure proper legal aid is in place, and determine if there is sufficient evidence for the matter to proceed to the Grand Court.
Background
Based on documents produced by the authorities, on August 14, 2025, at about 2:25 am, officers from the Cayman Islands Coast Guard were on routine patrol when they intercepted a red, blue and black 32-foot-long Jamaican-style canoe, namely “BILLYBOY S.T.M 232.” There were four men on board in the Cayman Islands territorial waters in the East End area off the East End reef.
Allegedly, the vessel was found to have suspicious packages with the strong scent of ganja. One package was retrieved floating near the vessel.
Reportedly, after a Coast Guard officer handcuffed the men, one threw overboard a small but heavy package, which immediately sank and was not recovered.
The boat was found to have one Caymanian male, who is identified as the male who threw the package overboard, and three Jamaican males on board.
The men were all arrested and cautioned for the offence of importation of ganja.
The men, along with the recovered boat and packages with drugs, were taken ashore to the Cayman Islands Coast Guard base, where they were handed over to Crime Task Force Officers.
While at the Coast Guard base, officers recorded their names and informed them of the reason for their detention.
Reportedly, the boat was searched, and the packages comprising crocus sack bags, plastic bags, suitcases, travelling bags, and multi-coloured bags with ganja were recovered in the presence of the suspects. Photographs were taken of the process and the packages containing drugs.
Further search of the boat recovered items of food (snacks and canned food), clothing and electronics (cell phones and GPS). The clothing and snacks were handed over to the suspects as their personal property, while the electronics were recovered.
After the process, all four suspects were transported to the Cayman Islands Police Detention Centre and booked.
The drugs, when recovered and exhibited, were a total of 86 packages containing ganja with an approximate weight of 1583 pounds.
While it is expected that one or more Coast Guard officers will act as witnesses if the case moves forward, there appears to be a question of one or more of the suspects being under duress in connection with the alleged incident.
Complicating matters further is the allegation that Manderson committed the offence of human smuggling. If that is the case, then the implication is that the other men are “victims.” This is complex because specific legal considerations (including human rights) and prohibitions may apply to prosecuting victims of trafficking.
Lastly, lawyers noted that they will be making an application for abuse of process due to the manner in which the matter is being handled.
After hearing from lawyers for the suspects, the Chief Magistrate said that there are issues which still need to be addressed.
She stressed: “… before the matter goes up to the Grand Court, I will have to decide if there is sufficient evidence for it to go to the Grand Court.”
She then asked DPP Crown Counsel to ensure that the file is assigned to someone so that it is given “their full attention,” since, at the time of today’s hearing, the DPP had not assigned the file to any of its attorneys to manage.
The matter was adjourned to September 4, 2025, and in the meantime, the suspects were remanded into custody.
Note to readers
This article refers to allegations only and does not imply guilt.
In addition, an abuse of process application is expected to be made by lawyers, the outcome of which will not be known until that application is heard and decided upon.
