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The General Customs of the Republic (AGR) of Cuba detected over 500 cases of arms and drug trafficking by the end of May 2024, highlighting a potential security issue on the island.
In total, 520 violations related to the illegal importation of air guns, ammunition, and other personal defense devices were identified.
Additionally, 23 cases of drug trafficking and 193 cases of consumption were reported, including marijuana, cocaine, and synthetic cannabinoids.
The deputy chief of the AGR, José Luis Muñoz Toca, stated to the state press that these findings indicate an increase in the production of new substances and a rise in smuggling activities.
The official noted that, despite the lack of customs offices in all provinces, a cross-border trafficking of more than 13 million Cuban pesos was detected, exceeding last year's figure by 8 million.
The organization faces serious challenges due to the diversity and complexity of the traffickers' methods of operation, as well as the lack of qualified personnel, which has been exacerbated by a migration to other sectors.
The AGR seeks to combat these threats through technological modernization and continuous staff training, although these efforts seem insufficient given the magnitude of the problem.
Yamila Martínez Morales, deputy head of the AGR, emphasized the need to improve cooperation with border entities and strengthen management systems. The effectiveness of these measures remains questionable given the increasing number of detected violations.
The National School of Customs Training continues to play a crucial role in the education of new agents, but the reality shows that there is still much to be done to ensure a truly safe and efficient customs system in Cuba.
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