By Alric Lindsay
Today, February 24, 2026, a tourist appeared in the Summary Court to face a charge of importation of a controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act. The prohibited items were cannabinol derivatives contained in a vape pen in her luggage. The Chief Magistrate fined the woman $1,000 and gave her an absolute discharge.
The woman, identified in court as Miss Shine, was stopped during routine screening on her arrival at Owen Roberts International Airport on February 19, 2026. Customs and Border Control officers conducted a secondary inspection of her hand baggage, where they found the device bearing imagery and emitting a strong odour consistent with cannabis.
When questioned, the woman reportedly stated she did not know what the item was or how it had ended up in her bag. She later acknowledged that the vape pen was in her purse but insisted she had no intention of bringing it into the Cayman Islands. Officers cautioned her before proceeding with the arrest for importation of a controlled drug, contrary to Schedule 1 of the Misuse of Drugs Act.
Laboratory testing confirmed the vape contained less than 2 ounces of cannabinol derivatives—substances classified as prohibited under local law. The court heard that the woman has no medical card and was not using the product for any authorized purpose.
During the hearing, defence counsel Crister Brady drew to the Chief Magistrate’s attention that while the woman was being questioned by Cayman authorities, her husband, who was travelling with her, said, “don’t say anything more…shhh”. Defence counsel then indicated that the vape pen may have been purchased by the woman’s husband.
After hearing from counsels, the Chief Magistrate fined the woman $1,000 and gave her an absolute discharge with no conviction recorded.
