Related videos:
Forces of the Revolutionary National Police (PNR) recently intercepted a motorcycle rider from the private sector at the El Cristo checkpoint in Santiago de Cuba, who was transporting several suspicious packages.
According to the official profile of Facebook “Héroes del Moncada,” last Friday, the packages contained more than 85 bundles of homemade cigars, which lacked the required legal documentation.
According to the publication, the cigarettes were intended for illegal marketing, which led the authorities to confiscate the merchandise and detain the individual involved.
In recent months, amidst the growing economic crisis and severe shortage of products, some goods have reached exorbitant prices in the informal market, among them cigars, which have become a highly sought-after item.
In December last year, in some provinces the price of a box of cigars had reached 500 pesos, highlighting the economic crisis and the ineffectiveness of government measures against inflation.
The Facebook profile named “Ma Chete” sparked debate after expressing his astonishment at the high price of a pack of cigarettes, becoming a space for other users to share their thoughts on the matter.
The escalation also originated in April of last year, when the Cuban regime raised the prices of cigars and tobacco in the national network of regulated sales establishments, such as bodegas and stores, arguing that "it is not a basic consumption item for the population."
The Resolution 63 from the Ministry of Finance and Prices, published in the Official Gazette, made public the measure that established an increase in the prices of packs of various types of cigarettes and domestically consumed tobacco.
Frequently asked questions about the illegal cigarette trade and the economic crisis in Cuba
Why was a motorcyclist arrested in Santiago de Cuba?
The motorist was detained for transporting 85 wheels of local cigars intended for illegal sale, without the required legal documentation. The authorities confiscated the merchandise and arrested the individual involved.
How has the economic crisis affected cigarette prices in Cuba?
The economic crisis has led to a significant increase in the prices of cigars in Cuba, with a box reaching up to 500 pesos in some provinces. Inflation and product shortages have turned cigars into a highly sought-after item in the informal market.
What measures has the Cuban government taken in response to the increase in cigarette prices?
The Cuban government has raised the prices of cigarettes in the national network of establishments, arguing that they are not a basic consumption item for the population. However, these measures have not succeeded in controlling inflation or the high prices in the black market.
What is the stance of the Cuban population regarding the rise in cigarette prices?
The Cuban population has expressed its discontent and frustration with the high prices of cigarettes, using social media to discuss the issue. Many criticize the government for its ineffectiveness in controlling inflation and for measures that do not address the basic needs of the population.
Filed under: