The government of the province of Villa Clara, following reports from the public, identified several cases of favoritism and the withholding of goods in stores and sales points in the municipality of Manicaragua.
The official profile of Inspección Villa Clara on Facebook reported that the most notable violations were found at the El Paraíso Infantil store, where instances of withholding and favoritism in the distribution of goods were detected.
The inspectors discovered six boxes of Popular Rojo cigars, a can of corn candy, and ten cans of Cristal beer hidden beneath the cashier's counter. None of these products were available for public sale, and the cashier did not present any purchase receipts, suggesting that the items were being withheld for personal use or to benefit customers.
Additionally, at the same point of sale, a seizure of 105 H. Upmann and Selecto cigar wheels was found, valued at 140 pesos each. These items were neither displayed nor recorded as surplus. These products, intended for sale to the public, were kept hidden, clearly indicating favoritism and a direct violation of price and supply regulations.
The official profile also reported that multiple violations of Resolution 225/2024 were detected at points of sale for food services, highlighting abusive practices in pricing and the sale of products in poor condition.
At the CP Matagua food service point, it was observed that 340-gram sausages were being sold for 450 pesos, while the maximum allowed price according to the regulation was 355.30 pesos. This difference of 94.70 pesos above the established price constitutes a clear violation of the regulations.
Additionally, in this same establishment, packages of nine-gram button candies were found with an expiration date of August 7, 2024. A total of 33 units were confiscated because they did not meet the required quality standards for consumption.
At the CP Ceibabo food service point, similar violations were also discovered. Packages of 250-gram noodles were being sold for 250 pesos, whereas, according to the regulations, they should have cost 208.75 pesos, resulting in an overcharge of 41.25 pesos per package.
Additionally, in another food service establishment, the sale of boxes of Popular cigars from a warehouse at 120 pesos and 330 ml soft drinks at 60 pesos was detected, with prices that also exceeded the established limits.
Those responsible for the detected violations were fined in accordance with the provisions of Decree 30/21, with penalties ranging from 8,000 to 10,000 pesos. Additionally, as further measures, disciplinary actions were requested against the responsible entities, the products in violation were confiscated, and the potential cancellation of the involved projects was proposed.
Recently, after confirming the alleged price violations, the government of Villa Clara compelled sellers at an agricultural fair in the municipality of Placetas to sell their goods through a forced sale.
The official profile reported on Facebook that multiple violations of product prices were detected at the agricultural fair, which led to offenders being compelled to conduct forced sales of their goods.
At the beginning of the month, the provincial government imposed fines of up to 15,000 pesos on individuals involved in acts of corruption at several hotels in the province.
In June, the Provincial Inspection Directorate of Villa Clara detected serious violations at several pharmacies in the city of Santa Clara during an audit conducted in response to multiple complaints from the public.
Leticia Alfonso, director of that entity, reported that in all the pharmacies inspected during a surprise check, the reported issues were confirmed, and fines were imposed on those responsible for the incidents related to theft and shortages, according to a note posted on Facebook by the Provincial Government of Villa Clara.
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