By Alric Lindsay
A tourist from Connecticut, USA, appeared in the Summary Court on September 25, 2025, to face a charge of importation of 19 capsules containing THC. Magistrate McFarlane fined DeCosta KYD 540.75 and gave him an absolute discharge, i.e., no conviction was recorded.
Background
Explaining the background, Crown Counsel from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions said that the man arrived at the Owen Roberts International Airport on September 22, 2025.
While he was in the goods-to-declare line, he was asked some routine questions by Customs & Border Control officers. He admitted to having CBD products in his possession and explained that they were used for medicinal purposes.
Upon completion of a search, CBC officers found a bottle containing 19 capsules.
Regarding the capsules, DPP Crown Counsel said that a letter was produced by the man’s physician confirming he was under treatment.
After hearing from DPP Crown Counsel, Magistrate McFarlane explained to the man that the Cayman Islands takes the importation of drugs very seriously. However, Magistrate McFarlane said that his mitigation is “powerful” and in the circumstances the court would exercise its discretion to give him an absolute discharge. However, he was required to pay KYD 540.75.
