Tourists Fined For Importation of Meth & THC. No Convictions Recorded.

By Alric Lindsay

What was meant to be a Caribbean vacation for two American gospel singers ended in back-to-back hearings in the Summary Court today, October 12, 2026, after Customs & Border Control officials at Owen Roberts International Airport (ORIA) discovered cannabis gummies, methamphetamine, and pills hidden inside their luggage.

William Demps Jr., 44, and Anthony Ponder, 46, traveled to the jurisdiction together from Canada on October 3, 2026. However, because Magistrate McFarlane treated their actions, motivations, and explanations as distinct legal matters, the two men faced separate charges and received very different rebukes from the bench.

While both men ultimately escaped permanent criminal convictions, they were hit with differing financial penalties and sharp judicial warnings.

The Case of William Demps Jr.: “Extremely Foolish”

The court heard that Demps was stopped by CBC officers at Baggage Control at approximately 9:54 am. When asked if he had anything to declare, or if he was carrying any THC or CBD products, Demps replied “no.”

A physical inspection of his luggage revealed two containers. Demps initially panicked and reportedly lied to CBC officers. However, laboratory testing revealed the containers held 68.2 grams of THC alongside other products that tested positive for dimethylone and methamphetamine, yielding a net weight of 2.18 grams of meth.

Defence attorney Kathleen Ryan explained that Demps—a practicing hairdresser, youth mentor, and gospel singer—suffers from severe carpal tunnel syndrome and clinically diagnosed ADHD. The defence attorney noted that Demps had therapeutic cannabis gummies, which he uses to treat chronic insomnia, had been legally purchased over the counter in Canada. The defence attorney added that Demps panicked when confronted by CBC border agents.

During the proceedings, Magistrate McFarlane questioned a CBC officer present in the courtroom, who clarified that while CBC may recognize legitimate foreign medical prescriptions, regulations strictly dictate that all such medications must remain stored within their original, clearly labeled pharmaceutical bottles.

Magistrate McFarlane did not hold back when addressing Demps’ failure to declare the items.

Magistrate McFarlane suggested that Demps did not think it important to check the rules when traveling outside his jurisdiction. She referred to his decision as “Extremely foolish.” She added: ” Dishonesty to an officer does not reflect good on you [as a gospel singer]. These are offences that carry serious custodial sentences.”

Ultimately, Magistrate McFarlane accepted that Demps appeared to hold a legitimate medical need, ruling that his overall culpability and the inherent risk of community harm were low. Demps was handed a conditional discharge. Provided he commits no further offences in the Cayman Islands within the next six months, no criminal conviction will be recorded against him. However, he was ordered to pay the full cost of the laboratory drug analysis certificates, totaling $3,749.25, or face three months of imprisonment in default. His passport will be withheld until the sum is settled.

The Case of Anthony Ponder: A “Bit Dodgy” Situation

Anthony Ponder’s hearing focused on a separate packet containing 39.7 grams of cannabis-infused gummies tucked inside his personal bag. When initially questioned by border agents, Ponder stated he did not have any THC, but later conceded that because the packet was physically inside his luggage, he would claim ownership of it.

In court, the true logistics of the itinerary were exposed. Defence counsel revealed that the 46-year-old high-end home interior designer and part-time gospel singer had no idea the drugs were in his bag until the airport search. The defence argued that Demps had physically placed the packet into Ponder’s luggage while they were packing, and Ponder had completely forgotten it was there.

Ponder, who has an unblemished character record and no prior criminal convictions, threw himself completely at the mercy of the court.

Magistrate McFarlane was blunt when addressing Ponder regarding the contraband, describing the situation as a “hot mess you brought into our beautiful country.”

Magistrate McFarlane expressed serious concern over how the drugs ended up in his possession, telling Ponder it was “a bit dodgy” that his traveling companion had compromised his personal luggage with an illegal substance. She strongly warned him to be heavily mindful moving forward that different parts of the world operate under vastly different legal rules.

Taking his previous clean record and the packing mishap into account, Magistrate McFarlane granted Ponder an absolute discharge, ensuring no conviction will be recorded against him. He was ordered to pay $540.75 in court costs for the drug testing certificates, with a four-week prison term hanging over his head if he defaults on the payment.