Jamaican drug suspects charged on immigration issues

(CNS): Police have released pictures of the recent haul of 275lb of Ganja seized from a Jamaican drug canoe. Although the four men arrested have not yet been charged by the police for their attempt to land drugs in Grand Cayman, they did appear in court Friday charged with immigration offences. The Jamaican nationals, who were arrested following a police operation on Saturday 14 May, when a drug canoe was seized off the north coast, were charged in Summary Court with smuggling and illegal landing. The men were spotted at around 10pm on the night of their arrest by officers on maritime patrol. The police air support unit was notified and after a short pursuit the marine vessel intercepted the Jamaican canoe. (RCIPS Photos)

All of the men were arrested for illegal entry into the Cayman Islands as well as suspicion of importation of drugs when the significant ganja haul was discovered, which included some 10 bales of the drug. Police enquiries into the suspected drug smuggling are continuing and so far no charges have been brought against in connection with that crime but all four men remain in custody.

"This is yet another example of how the RCIPS combined resources of the Air Operations Unit and our joint marine assets are successfully protecting our borders and preventing illegal drugs reaching the dealers and streets of the Cayman Islands,” said Superintendent Kurt Walton.  This latest intervention should send a very clear message to anyone thinking about bringing drugs or guns into our country."