Visitor Fined $3,500 & No Conviction Recorded For Importing 79 Gummies, 6 Pre-Rolled Ganja Cigarettes & Vape Cartridges
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By Alric Lindsay
William Cameron McBean, a 52-year-old visitor to the Cayman Islands, appeared in the Summary Court on February 12, 2025, to face charges of importation of 79 gummies containing THC, two vape cartridges containing THC, one bottle containing cannabinol derivatives and six pre-rolled ganja cigarettes. After pleading guilty, he was fined $3,500, and no conviction was recorded.
Background
Regarding the background of the incident, crown counsel from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions explained that McBean arrived on a JetBlue flight from Boston, Massachusetts, on February 8, 2025.
While in the “nothing to declare” line, Customs & Border Control officers sent him to do a secondary inspection.
When asked whether he had any THC, CBD, mushrooms or gummies, McBean reportedly said “no.”
Upon completion of a search by CBC officers, they found two vape cartridges in the front zipper of his backpack. These were tested and contained less than two ounces of cannabinol derivatives, being Delta 9 THC, Delta 8 THC, CBN and CBD.
After McBean was cautioned for the importation and possession of a controlled drug, CBC officers continued the search of his backpack. This is when they found Ziploc bags containing 79 gummies, along with a pack of Marlboro cigarettes containing six pre-rolled ganja cigarettes among regular cigarettes.
The gummies were tested and contained less than two ounces of cannabinol derivatives, being Delta 9 THC, Delta 8 THC, CBN and CBD.
A search of his other luggage revealed a bottle containing less than two ounces of cannabinol derivatives.
McBean was arrested for the importation of controlled drugs and taken to the Cayman Islands Detention Centre.
When interviewed on February 10, 2025, he explained that he bought the items in Massachusetts, where he is from and that he and his fiance both have medical marijuana cards in Massachusetts.
The question arose about the large volume of gummies, to which he explained that his regular dosage was five. He emphasized that he had no intention to distribute them in the Cayman Islands.
He added that he suffers from depression and was diagnosed back in 2013 and got his medical card in 2017.
When asked why he lied to CBC officers, McBean said he was “unsure” and “was hoping” that the items wouldn’t be found.
He added, “So my initial response was, unfortunately, to see if I could lie and get out of there. A panic reaction.”
After hearing from prosecution and defence counsel, the Chief Magistrate ordered an absolute discharge and no conviction was recorded. In addition, McBean was ordered to pay $3,500 or spend 35 weeks in jail in default.
