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By Alric Lindsay
Yesterday, February 12, 2025, David Robert Mayer appeared in the Summary Court to face a charge of importation of two vape pens containing less than two ounces of cannabinol derivatives, being Delta 9 THC, Delta 8 THC, CBN and CBD. After pleading guilty, he was fined $1,000, and no conviction was recorded.
Background
According to crown counsel from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mayer arrived in the Cayman Islands on February 7, 2025.
Reportedly, he was passing through the “nothing to declare” line when Customs & Border Control officers performed a secondary search.
Mayer confirmed that he had CBD or THC products when questioned by CBC officers.
Upon completion of their search, CBC officers found two vape cartridges containing THC.
Mayer was subsequently arrested and transported to the Cayman Islands Detention Centre.
While being interviewed without an attorney present, Mayer explained that the items he bought contained THC and that he bought them for his own use, not knowing that it was an offence in the Cayman Islands.
Sentencing
In the Summary Court, it was explained that Mayer is a 38-year-old American national who is a carpenter by trade. He lives in New Jersey and has no convictions or issues with the law in his home country or state.
It was explained that Mayer legally purchased the cape cartridges where he lives, which were for his personal use. While he did some checks on the laws of the Cayman Islands, these checks were not thorough enough.
In the circumstances, Mayer was “extremely remorseful” and threw himself at the mercy of the court.
After hearing from the prosecution and defence counsel, the Chief Magistrate emphasized that she treats everyone who comes before the court with the same degree of consideration, whether they are Caymanian or non-Caymanian.
In Mayer’s circumstances, the Chief Magistrate noted that she accepted that Mayer did some research, which was appreciated. After considering all matters, the Chief Magistrate gave Mayer an absolute discharge with no conviction to be recorded. Mayer was ordered to pay a cost of $1,000 to the Crown or spend 10 weeks in jail in default.
