Cuban authorities discovered an illegal marijuana plantation with over 1,200 plants in the municipality of Bayamo, Granma province, in one of the largest recently reported cases of clandestine drug cultivation on the island.
The information was published by the official profile "Héroes de Azul en Cuba" on Facebook, an account linked to the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), which identified the individual responsible as a citizen named Lázaro, residing in the Molino Rojo Popular Council.
According to the spokesperson's report, the individual had 1,257 marijuana plants in the growth stage on their property.
"The now-farmer had a very nice crop... it wasn't cassava, corn, plantains, or squash; he was sowing pain and despair for many families," stated the official post, with an ironic tone and referring to the illicit nature of the activity.
The case was dismantled following the joint efforts of the Revolutionary National Police and the community, according to the publication, which stated that the accused will face a lengthy sentence and the "repudiation of the people."
In Cuba, the cultivation, possession, or trafficking of marijuana is severely penalized under current legislation, and the authorities often make such operations public as part of their strategy for control and propaganda against drug use.
So far, no further details have been revealed about the criminal process or the total amount of drugs seized by weight, but the number of plants discovered makes this operation one of the most significant of the year in terms of combating drug trafficking in the country.
Recently, Cuban police authorities arrested the owner of a farm located in Campo Florido, in the municipality of Habana del Este, after discovering a small marijuana cultivation and other items linked to alleged drug trafficking at the site.
According to a report from the official profile Javier Gutiérrez, affiliated with the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), on Facebook, the operation took place at the farm known as La Lima, where agents discovered 16 marijuana plants, a jar containing seeds of the same plant, and an unspecified amount of cash.
In March of last year, the authorities of MININT in the municipality of Tercer Frente, Santiago de Cuba, arrested a citizen involved in the cultivation and care of a marijuana plantation.
According to a report on by the official profile "Héroes del Moncada," the individual had planted around 200 marijuana plants and possessed more than 2,000 seeds.
A young man identified as Luis Armando Torres Zans, a resident of El Guirito, Gibara, was arrested in December by the authorities after it was discovered that he was cultivating several marijuana plants in his home.
According to people who have known him since his adolescence, Torres is a fan of easy money and rarely considers the consequences of his actions, reported the official profile of Facebook “Cazador-Cazado”.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Cultivation and Trafficking of Marijuana in Cuba
What happened in the case of the illegal marijuana plantation in Bayamo?
Cuban authorities discovered an illegal marijuana plantation with over 1,200 plants in the municipality of Bayamo, Granma province. The person responsible, identified as Lázaro, had 1,257 plants in the growing stage on his farm. This case is one of the largest reported recently on the island, and the individual will face a lengthy sentence.
What is the Cuban government's stance on the cultivation and trafficking of marijuana?
The Cuban government maintains a strict and punitive stance against the cultivation, possession, or trafficking of marijuana, imposing severe penalties under current legislation. Authorities often publicize operations against drug trafficking as part of their control and propaganda strategy.
Why has the trafficking of marijuana and other drugs increased in Cuba?
The trafficking of marijuana and other drugs has increased in Cuba due to social and economic factors, such as the lack of opportunities and social discontent. Despite strict surveillance, drug use and trafficking have grown, especially among young people, who perceive marijuana as a low-risk drug.
How have the Cuban authorities responded to the increase in drug trafficking on the island?
Cuban authorities have increased anti-drug operations, making arrests and seizures in several provinces. Exemplary trials have been conducted with severe sentences as part of a "zero tolerance" policy against drug trafficking. However, these measures have not been entirely effective in curbing the growing problem.
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