The new Customs and Border Control (“CBC”) agency in the Cayman Islands has arrested 11 people for contraband, issued 12 fines for declaration violations, and refused entry to 9 people for various offences during the first month of operation.
The actions were seen as proof of the effectiveness of the combined agency. Throughout the month, CBC officers refused entry to nine people for offences such as making a false statement upon arrival, failing to have proper travel documents, or being a prohibited immigrant. Twelve fines were issued for making a false declaration of goods for customs purposes. Other actions included the seizure of firearms and other contraband at Owen Roberts International Airport. In one instance, a woman who visited Cayman on a cruise ship was arrested and charged with possession of an unlicensed gun and ammunition after officers found the weapon in a piece of lost luggage that was forwarded to her.
One of the most frequent violations included the transportation of ammunition. On five different occasions CBC officers found bullets in bags and arrested the individuals concerned.
Officers are using a variety of techniques and strategies to intercept drugs, unreported currency, weapons, altered documents, illegal or prohibited immigrants, prohibited agriculture, and other illicit products. Premier Alden McLaughlin, who now oversees the new CBC agency having added the customs element to his growing portfolio of responsibility, applauded the success of the new agency.
