The Cuban police arrested two men who were transporting over 20,000 cigars in a vehicle for sale on the black market.
According to a report on the Facebook account "Carretera En la Mira," the incident occurred in Granma, at the checkpoint on the route from Bayamo to Santiago de Cuba.
"The police discovered two individuals on a rented bus who were casually transporting the staggering amount of 20,600 cigars (824 boxes) in six suitcases," the report states.
The operation is part of Díaz-Canel's new campaign against corruption, which is taking place this week amid scandals on social media involving his stepson Manuel Anido and Sandro Castro, the grandson of Fidel Castro.
This is the national exercise for the prevention and confrontation of crime, corruption, illegal activities, and social indiscipline, which, according to the government, aims to "address the negative trends present in our society."
This operation comes at a time when the regime is facing discredit, and many people are wondering if the high-ranking officials in the country will also be held accountable for these control actions.
In April, the Cuban government raised the prices of cigarettes and tobacco in the national network of regulated sales, claiming that it "is not a basic consumption item for the population." It was then ordered that domestically consumed tobacco would cost 10 pesos per unit.
In June of last year, the police dismantled an illegal tobacco factory known as "Chinchal de Tabaco" in the town of Báez, located in the municipality of Placetas, Villa Clara. Several bags of material, molds, presses, and other necessary instruments for tobacco production were confiscated.
They also found at the site "beef from stolen cattle and the slaughter of livestock belonging to farmers residing in Báez," according to a note from the official Facebook profile "Fuerza del Pueblo."
Frequently Asked Questions about the Illegal Tobacco Trade and Corruption in Cuba
What happened to the two Cubans detained in Granma?
The Cuban police detained two men in Granma who were transporting 20,600 cigars on a rented bus for sale on the black market. This operation is part of an anti-corruption campaign led by Díaz-Canel.
Why is an anti-corruption campaign being carried out in Cuba?
The anti-corruption crusade in Cuba aims to confront corruption, crimes, and illegal activities amid a growing discrediting of the regime. The initiative seeks to reinforce the work of state bodies and ensure public order, although its effectiveness is being questioned.
How is the increase in tobacco prices in Cuba related to the black market?
The increase in tobacco prices in the national sales network has driven the black market, where products such as confiscated tobaccos from Granma are traded illegally. This reflects a persistent issue of control and distribution in the country.
What impact does corruption have on the daily lives of Cubans?
Corruption in Cuba severely impacts the daily lives of Cubans, increasing the scarcity of basic goods and promoting the black market. The lack of transparency and ineffective government policies exacerbate the country's economic and social situation.
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