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Authorities in Santiago de Cuba arrested a man at the Baire checkpoint in the municipality of Contramaestre while he was transporting over 1,000 pounds of clean coffee in a private sector vehicle.
According to the official Facebook profile "Héroes del Moncada," the detainee was unable to prove the legality of the cargo, which was allegedly intended for the informal market.
The confiscation, carried out by the National Revolutionary Police (PNR) during an inspection, revealed that the coffee was intended for illegal sale, in violation of marketing regulations.
Currently, coffee is one of the most sought-after products in Cuba, where limitations in official distribution and high prices in state markets have driven the growth of the informal market.
In other cases, people turn to alternative products as substitutes for the aromatic grain that is so deeply rooted in Cuban identity.
Recently, authorities in Holguín arrested Humberto Cabrera Sanz, who was caught transporting three sacks of beef in a cart.
The incident took place in the Curva de los Vázquez neighborhood in Buenaventura, according to the pro-government Facebook profile "Cazador-Cazado."
As part of the recent campaign by the Cuban regime against illegal activities, the seizure of 10 bags of beef in Granma reflects the crackdown on the black market. However, these actions do not address the underlying issue: the lack of access to basic food items that drives the population to resort to such practices for survival.
According to the official Facebook profile "Héroes de Azul," at the Jucarito Checkpoint, located between Granma and Las Tunas, 10 sacks of beef were seized from two individuals in a private car.
Frequently Asked Questions about Coffee Seizure and the Informal Market in Cuba
Why was a man arrested in Santiago de Cuba with coffee?
The man was arrested for transporting over 1,000 pounds of unprocessed coffee without being able to prove the legality of his cargo, which is suspected to have been intended for the informal market, in violation of commercial regulations in Cuba.
What is the situation of the informal coffee market in Cuba?
The informal coffee market in Cuba has expanded due to limitations in official distribution and high prices in state-run markets. Coffee is one of the most sought-after products on the island, prompting many to turn to the black market to meet demand.
What measures is the Cuban regime taking against the black market?
The Cuban regime has intensified operations and seizures as part of a crackdown on illegal activities to combat the black market for products such as coffee and meat. However, these actions do not address the underlying causes of scarcity and limited access to basic food items.
How does the crackdown on the informal market affect the Cuban population?
The crackdown on the informal market impacts the population by limiting access to essential goods in a context of scarcity. These measures create social tensions and do not address the structural issues of the Cuban economy that drive many to turn to the black market.
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