Tourists Continue To Be Fined By Cayman Courts For Importing Gummies
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By Alric Lindsay
Several American visitors appeared in the Summary Court today, March 12, 2026, after being charged with importing controlled drugs at Owen Roberts International Airport on or around 6 March 2026. All cases involved small quantities of cannabinol derivatives, mainly gummies and creams containing Delta-9 THC, CBD, CBN or CBG, which the defendants said they brought for personal use to manage anxiety, sleep issues, chronic pain or PTSD.
Mr Bianco, a Chicago-based video production company owner, pleaded guilty to importing five gummies containing Delta-9 THC. He had failed to declare the items on the customs declaration form and initially denied knowledge of them during questioning.
The Chief Magistrate noted Bianco’s guilty plea and the small amount but criticised his “laissez-faire attitude” toward foreign laws. Bianco received an absolute discharge (no conviction recorded) and was ordered to pay $2,000 in costs to the Crown or serve 20 days in default. His passport was released on payment and the gummies forfeited.
A Chicago woman, Ms Kelly, pleaded guilty to importing 17 gummies and a yellow liquid containing CBD. She told authorities she used the products for anxiety and had taken extra for the flight. She also received an absolute discharge with no conviction, ordered to pay $1,500 costs or 15 days in default. The items were forfeited.
The Havliks, a husband and wife arriving from Minneapolis, declared their cannabinol derivatives on the customs form. Ms Havlik imported a CBD roll-on cream for sciatica and back pain; she received an absolute discharge with no costs or conviction. Mr Havlik, a veteran with PTSD, imported 20 gummies marked for sleep assistance. He too received an absolute discharge with no conviction but was ordered to pay $1,500 costs or 15 days in default.
In a separate matter, Ms Walbrook from Los Angeles pleaded guilty to importing 54 gummies containing cannabinol derivatives for her anxiety and sleep issues during a short trip. The Chief Magistrate noted the declaration form had not been properly completed as she marked “no” regarding cannabinol derivatives. She was fined $3,000 or 30 days in default, with her passport released on payment and the drugs destroyed.
In each case the court took into account the defendants’ guilty pleas, personal circumstances and the very small quantities involved.
Note to readers
Members of the public are reminded that cannabinol derivatives remain llegal under the Misuse of Drugs Act. This is the case whether they are in the form of gummies, creams or liquids.
