The General Customs of the Republic of Cuba recently detected several attempts to introduce marijuana into the country through unconventional means, such as gummies, chocolates, and electronic cigarettes.
Wiliam Pérez González, Deputy Chief of Customs, announced on social media that these cases are part of an intensified effort to combat drugs being carried out at the country's entry points.
The official warned about the use of apparently harmless products as a means to hide illegal substances, particularly in a regional context where such methods have become more common.
This warning is not an isolated incident, but rather part of a pattern that had already been evident during the third national anti-drug campaign, held last March in the province of Holguín, where the discovery of gummies and cigarettes containing narcotic substances was reported as part of the operations.
According to reports from official media and the profile “Realities from Holguín”, during that operation, 69 people were detained and 16 were charged with drug trafficking, among them several young individuals.
They seized wrappers of marijuana, hashish, chemical paper, and controlled medications with effects similar to those of drugs.
One of the most striking cases occurred in the Pueblo Nuevo neighborhood, where a detainee attempted to hide drugs inside a baby’s diaper.
In other operations, blister packs of medications such as amitriptyline, trifluoperazine, and diphenhydramine were seized, along with electronic cigarettes containing illegal substances.
Furthermore, the second chief of Customs in Holguín, Yolanda Piñeiro Ramírez, disclosed to the newspaper ¡Ahora! the detection of gummies containing narcotics, as well as regulated medications and cigarettes with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), thereby confirming the diversification in forms of consumption and trafficking that the country faces.
In parallel, inspections were conducted at pharmacies, livestock centers, and coastal areas, as well as educational activities in schools to raise awareness among the population, especially young people, about the risks of drug trafficking.
Authorities insist that these methods aim to deceive border controls and attract young audiences, making it even more urgent to prepare customs and police forces to effectively confront these emerging threats.
Both the Holguín newspaper and the social media profile highlighted that staff from the Customs Office and the Provincial Forensic Laboratory conducted a training exercise with canine detection techniques to identify harmful substances in travelers and luggage.
The regime has intensified its crusade against drug trafficking in Cuba, a phenomenon that has worsened and reached unprecedented levels in recent years, corresponding with the deepening of the economic and social crisis in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions about Drug Trafficking in Cuba and Customs Measures
How does the Cuban Customs try to prevent the entry of drugs into the country?
The Customs Authority of Cuba has intensified its controls at entry points into the country, especially at airports, to detect ingenious methods of drug trafficking. Drugs hidden in gummies, chocolates, e-cigarettes, light bulbs, disposable diapers, and other common products have been intercepted. These efforts are part of a national exercise aimed at preventing and combating drug trafficking, in collaboration with the Ministry of the Interior.
What are the new methods of drug trafficking detected by Cuban Customs?
The Cuban Customs has detected new methods of drug trafficking that include the use of gummies, chocolates, electronic cigarettes, and light bulbs to conceal illicit substances. These methods aim to evade customs controls by using seemingly harmless products.
What measures are being taken in Cuba to combat the increase in drug trafficking?
Cuba has intensified drug enforcement operations at airports and in several provinces, increasing surveillance and border controls. Authorities have implemented exemplary trials and strengthened inspections to detect drug and psychotropic trafficking. Additionally, raids have been reported in neighborhoods and the use of "blind mules" to introduce narcotics into the country.
What is the Cuban government's stance on drug trafficking and the use of devices like Starlink?
The Cuban government maintains a Zero Tolerance policy towards drug trafficking and has strengthened control measures at Customs. Regarding devices such as Starlink, Customs has prohibited their entry into the country, arguing that they violate existing regulations and affect the quality of telecommunications service, reflecting the regime's interest in controlling internet access.
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