500lbs of ganja recovered from drug bust

Ricky Manderson in handcuffs outside the courthouse in George Town, Grand Cayman

(CNS): Ricky Manderson (59) has been remanded in custody until Thursday after a brief court appearance today over charges of conspiracy to import more than 500lbs of ganja, after he was busted by police on Tuesday night in North Side. The West Bay man was arrested after the police chopper and marine unit intercepted a suspicious boat off the north coast of Grand Cayman and found the massive drug haul on board. Manderson was arrested after he and at least two other men fled into the bushes, having raced to shore in the boat after being spotted by the police.

“Given public concern regarding illegal drugs and firearms coming into the country, the Joint Marine Unit and the Air Operations Unit have been working very closely to ensure that we maximize opportunities to protect our borders,” said Inspector Leo Anglin, Commander of the RCIPS Joint Marine Unit. “Tuesday night’s arrest and confiscation of a significant quantity of ganja signals to drugs and firearms smugglers both here and in other jurisdictions that smuggling will not be tolerated here.”

He said that this year police have already seized 706 lbs of ganja and recovered one semi-automatic weapon and 64 rounds of ammunition. Police said this latest haul was believed to weigh 509lbs, representing millions of dollars at street value.

Boat intercept 23 Feb 2016 – The suspicious vessel

Boat intercept 23 Feb 2016 – The Niven D pursues the suspicious vessel

Boat intercept 23 Feb 2016 – Pursuit continues