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The police arrested a man involved in the recent theft of regulated basic food products from a store located in the municipality of Unión de Reyes, in Matanzas.
A post on the Facebook profile "Con Todos la Victoria," linked to the Ministry of the Interior (Minint), reported this Wednesday that the authorities recovered items stolen from the La Estrella store in the Cabezas Popular Council at the home of Juan Norge Leyva Suárez in the La Esperanza settlement, which were intended for sale to local residents through the ration book.
The goods that had been stolen in recent days included three sacks of rice, one sack of sugar, 392 packages of coffee, and an unspecified amount of bath soaps and tubes of toothpaste, the note indicated.
"This is a criminal act that also has a component of irresponsibility, dehumanization, and insensitivity to the harm it causes to fellow citizens and the state, which evidently generates public rejection," the publication warned.
The police continue to work on the investigation of the case, while Leyva remains in custody.
The thefts in the warehouses have seen a significant increase in the country, corresponding with the rise in crime rates and insecurity. These incidents result in substantial losses and deprive many families of essential goods.
In recent months, there have been multiple thefts of basic food items reported in various provinces. At the end of December, three individuals were arrested, accused of the theft of goods intended for the supply booklet in the municipality of Pedro Betancourt, in Matanzas.
Other three individuals involved in the theft at a store located in the Rampa Popular Council, in Havana, were arrested in November.
A total of 48 robberies were committed at warehouses in the province of Las Tunas during the first half of 2024, mainly in the capital municipality and Puerto Padre, with a significant increase in the months of July and August.
The basic basket in Cuba, distributed in a rationed manner through the so-called supply booklet, has been for decades the main means for families to access essential products such as rice, sugar, oil, and coffee.
In recent years, this system has faced increasing challenges due to the country's severe economic crisis. The shortage of foreign currency has limited the government's ability to import food, while domestic production has decreased, increasing dependence on imports.
These issues have caused frequent delays and shortages in the distribution of basic products, significantly impacting the lives of Cubans.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Theft of Basic Commodity Products in Cuba
What happened in the recent robbery at a warehouse in Matanzas?
A man was detained by the police after being found with stolen products from a warehouse in the municipality of Unión de Reyes, in Matanzas. Sacks of rice, sugar, coffee packages, soaps, and toothpaste were recovered, products intended for the ration card.
Why have thefts in warehouses increased in Cuba?
The increase in thefts in warehouses in Cuba is due to the severe economic crisis the country is facing, characterized by a shortage of foreign currency and a decline in national production. This situation has led to frequent shortages in the distribution of essential products, creating conflicts and increasing insecurity.
How does the economic crisis affect the supply booklet in Cuba?
The economic crisis has severely impacted the ration book system in Cuba, which has been the main means for families to access essential products. The government has announced the gradual elimination of subsidies, raising concerns among the population about future access to essential food.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to combat the theft of basic goods?
The Cuban government has intensified operations to apprehend those responsible for thefts in warehouses and recover the stolen products. However, these measures have been criticized for not addressing the root causes of the shortages, such as the lack of adequate production and distribution.
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