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Murders ranked second among the most committed crimes in Las Tunas in 2024, as acknowledged by authorities from the eastern province, confirming the rise in crime, violence, and social insecurity in that area.
Data revealed last weekend by the Ministry of the Interior (Minint) indicates that drug trafficking, homicides, cattle theft, and robberies with violence and force were, in that order, the most frequently recorded criminal activities during the past year, reported the official newspaper 26.
Although the report does not disclose specific statistics for each of those crimes, officials from the Minint stated that part of the increase in drug trafficking would be “associated with the rise in confrontations, which would have made it possible to detect more” and that there was a “decline in crimes classified as assaults and homicides.”
According to the authorities, incidents of theft and illegal slaughter of cattle accounted for 50.3% of criminal activity in the province.
According to the figures analyzed in a meeting that evaluated the issue of crime in Las Tunas, the total number of criminal acts committed in 2024 exceeded the previous year's reports by 1%, particularly due to increases in the municipalities of Majibacoa, Amancio, and Puerto Padre. However, the provincial capital accounted for 40% of the crimes committed in the area last year.
Despite this, the authorities in Las Tunas boasted about a "decrease in the rate of crime growth" in 2024 compared to the previous year, although this claim was not supported by any figures.
According to the analysis by the Minint, the profile of the criminal in Las Tunas points to a person "without a known employment connection," who is under 30 years old and has no criminal record.
The Director of Labor and Social Security in the province, Miguel González, stated that, frequently, unemployed individuals "have rejected more than one job offer" and admitted that "the prevention groups established at the community council level are not functioning as they should, among whose duties is precisely to prevent criminals from emerging among those who do not have legitimate sources of economic support."
The report from the newspaper 26 described the crime as “a highly sensitive issue for the Tunera society,” as it puts “into question” what the regime still considers “one of the main achievements of Cuban socialism: public order,” despite the context of rising crime and criminality in Cuba.
A series of violent crimes in that region of the country have put society at risk during the year that has just concluded.
A 17-year-old teenager, identified as Jader Machado Fis, was murdered by his own father in the city of Las Tunas last November.
Another young man named Brayan Anthoni Camejo Rodríguez, father of a little girl, was murdered in March in the same city, allegedly following a fight with a man who had crossed the line with his girlfriend.
In January, the murder of Dr. Iván de Prada by one or several criminals for the purpose of stealing his motorcycle caused shock in the municipality of Puerto Padre.
Frequently Asked Questions about Crime and Safety in Las Tunas
What were the most common crimes in Las Tunas during 2024?
The most common crimes in Las Tunas during 2024 were drug trafficking, murders, livestock theft, and violent and forceful robberies. Social insecurity has significantly increased in the province, with a 1% rise in the total number of crimes compared to the previous year.
What factors have contributed to the rise in crime in Las Tunas?
The rise in crime in Las Tunas is due to a combination of factors, such as the increase in drug trafficking, a high unemployment rate, and the inadequate prevention structure at the local level. Furthermore, the economic crisis has exacerbated social tensions, making unemployed youth a common profile among offenders.
How has crime affected the perception of safety in Las Tunas?
The perception of safety in Las Tunas has been severely impacted due to the high incidence of violent crimes, such as murders and robberies. The population lives in fear and distrust of the authorities, who have not been able to effectively contain the criminal wave in the region.
What measures have been implemented to confront crime in Las Tunas?
The authorities have attempted to implement measures, such as intensifying enforcement and control actions, but these have not been sufficient to curb the rise in crime. The lack of clear figures and concrete actions has raised doubts about the effectiveness of these measures.
What impact does crime have on the local economy of Las Tunas?
Crime negatively impacts the local economy of Las Tunas, as theft and cattle rustling directly affect agricultural production. Furthermore, insecurity deters investments and the development of small businesses in the region.
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