For a better experience on RCIPS, UPDATE YOUR BROWSER. The Crime Task Force is a proactive, intelligence-led unit that provides specialist support to uniform police and other specialist units. It also cooperates with local and international agencies to combat the trafficking of controlled substances and firearms into and through the jurisdiction of the Cayman Islands.
The members of the CTF often undertake operations of extended length in order to penetrate networks of organized crime and disrupt the importation of drugs on a large scale, as well as firearms. During 2016 a total of 1,474 lbs. of ganja were recovered from importations (with an approximate street value of $958,000CI) and four canoes were seized. Five people were arrested, charged and convicted as a result of these operations, with 12 others also arrested and charged. One semi-automatic pistol and 64 rounds of 9mm ammunition were also recovered amongst the drugs seized during the interdictions of “drug canoes” attempting to illegally enter the Cayman Islands.
As of November 2017, 1,575 lbs. of ganja (with an approximate street value of $1,023,750CI), two kilos of cocaine (with a street value of $125,000CI), two semi-automatic pistols and two canoes have been seized during intelligence led pro-active operations targeting illegal importation. Twenty-two persons have been arrested for these offences and are currently awaiting trial or sentence.
In all of these operations, the CTF works closely with the Joint Marine Unit, Air Operations Unit, CID and other specialist units. The CTF also works with the Financial Crimes Unit in matters concerning the forfeiture of assets derived from or linked to the proceeds of crime.
Due to the sensitive nature of their work, CTF detectives keep a low profile while fulfilling important but sometimes dangerous tasks to keep the islands safe. They are required to undergo additional security checks and training before being attached to the unit.
Shortly after 9:40PM yesterday, 21 August, officers were conducting a vehicle checkpoint along Yacht Club Drive when they detected the strong scent of ganja coming from a vehicle which had just been stopped at the checkpoint. Officers conducted a search, recovering multiple packets of suspected ganja.
The Cayman Islands Coast Guard (CICG) can confirm that, at about 2:40AM yesterday, 14 August, while on patrol, the CICG, supported by the RCIPS Air Operations Unit, intercepted a vessel, with 4 persons onboard in our territorial waters, engaging in what appeared to be illicit maritime activity.
