(CMR) American influencer and model Gigi Hadid (28) was charged with the possession of ganja after the drug was found in her luggage while being processed by customs officers at the Owen Roberts International Airport last week.
Hadid, whose real name is Jelena Noura Hadid, was charged along with Leah Nicole McCarthy, also from the United States. Reports are that on the 10th of July 2023, a private aircraft arrived at the Owen Roberts International Airport General Aviation Terminal from the USA.
The passengers disembarked and were processed by a Customs and Border Control Officer, including the scanning of their luggage. This prompted further and more detailed examination of the luggage of two passengers.
During the search of their luggage, ganja and utensils used for the consumption of ganja were found in the luggage of both passengers. The quantities were relatively small and were seemingly for personal consumption. CMR confirmed the amount in question was 15.39g.
Both female passengers were arrested on suspicion of Importation of Ganja and Importation of Utensils used for the consumption of ganja. They were both taken to the Prisoner Detention Center for processing and subsequently released on bail pending a ruling on the case by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
On Wednesday, 12 July 2023, GiGi Hadid and McCarthy appeared in Summary Court and were charged. They pleaded guilty and were each fined $1,000.00, and no conviction was recorded.
The two were reportedly staying at Palm Heights. Hadid, who reportedly left the Cayman Islands on 15 July, still found time to enjoy her vacation despite her legal issues and was seen at Popo Jebs doing karaoke.
Cannabis or ganja is illegal in the Cayman Islands, but the use of CDB oil is allowed for persons who have the requisite doctor's certification to obtain it. Hadid has since claimed she had a medical card; however, officials said the card she had is not valid in Cayman.
