Cuba News today, February 3, 2025: Regime promises sanctions for milk tampering; currency value remains stable; woman assaults under the influence of drugs

The Cuban regime faces criticism for the adulteration of infant formula and promises sanctions. Meanwhile, the value of foreign currencies remains stable, and there is a reported incident involving drugs in Pinar del Río.

Milk (Reference image)Photo © Facebook / Katy Baez

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Monday, February 3, 2025. Today, the regime in Cuba has promised severe penalties for the adulteration of milk in Las Tunas, while the value of currencies remains stable in the informal market. Additionally, an incident involving the assault of a woman under the influence of a drug has been reported in Pinar del Río. Below are the most important news highlights of the day.

Cuban regime promises severe penalties for adulterating infant formula in Las Tunas

The authorities in Las Tunas assure that they will act with rigor against those responsible for adulterating the milk intended for children, after discovering that the product was diluted with water. This practice, revealed by MININT, reflects serious issues of control and corruption in the state supply chain. The adulteration of basic products is a common practice in Cuba, exacerbated by shortages and the difficulty in ensuring the quality of critical foods like milk. While the regime promises drastic measures, Cubans are facing a deep economic and food security crisis, with milk becoming a scarce and precious commodity.

Stability in the Cuban informal market: dollar, euro, and MLC unchanged

The value of the dollar, euro, and Freely Convertible Currency (MLC) remains stable in the Cuban informal market, with the dollar and euro at 340 CUP and the MLC at 240 CUP for 12 consecutive days. The inclusion of Orbit S.A. on the list of restricted entities by the United States has not yet impacted the market, although it raises concerns about remittances to Cuba.

Moment of chaos in Pinar del Río: woman under the effects of a 'chemical' causes alarm

A woman, seemingly under the influence of the drug known as "the chemical", caused a stir in Pinar del Río after attacking passersby and confronting the Police. In a video shared by Felix Junior Baby on Instagram, she can be seen disrupting traffic by standing in front of a truck and smashing a carton of eggs on a Lada. The lack of police action and the woman's mental state sparked criticism and debate among internet users.

U.S. Marines arrive in Guantánamo to prepare migrant detention center

A contingent of U.S. Marines has arrived at the Guantanamo Naval Base, in the context of the Trump administration's plans to expand the Migration Operations Center. The initiative aims to accommodate up to 30,000 migrants as part of an effort to strengthen U.S. national security. The Guantanamo Bay will be crucial for detaining migrants deemed to be a greater threat, facing unique legal and logistical challenges. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will be responsible for the expansion of these facilities.

Doctors in Santiago de Cuba successfully perform surgery on a giant cardiac tumor

In a significant medical achievement, specialists from the “Saturnino Lora Torres” Provincial Clinical Surgical Teaching Hospital in Santiago de Cuba removed a giant tumor from a patient's heart. The complex surgery involved a team of cardiac surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other professionals who acted urgently in response to the patient's deteriorating condition. The atrial mixoma, although generally benign, posed a threat of obstructing the blood flow. Despite the medical supply crisis faced by the hospital, the operation was successfully carried out, highlighting the dedication and expertise of the medical team.

Cuba and Venezuela: urgent call to their emigrants to "help the homeland"

The Cuban regime, 45 years after the division imposed by dictator Fidel Castro, appeals for support from Cubans abroad to sustain itself economically through increased remittances and visits to Cuba. Without Soviet backing and facing a severe economic crisis, the government seeks to attract foreign currency through tourist offers promoted by leaders of the MINREX. Meanwhile, Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro invites deported emigrants to return to their country to "celebrate," showing the same interest in garnering economic support from abroad.

Operation in Santiago de Cuba seizes beef and homemade weapons following neighbor's complaint

In an operation against illicit trade in Santiago de Cuba, the police confiscated beef and homemade weapons following a report in Oscar Lucero, Mella. The pro-regime group “Héroes del Moncada” reported that MININT forces arrested several individuals involved in the illegal sale of meat. The clandestine slaughter of livestock is on the rise in Cuba due to the regime's inability to ensure affordable food. Despite the raids, authorities are unable to curb the meat trafficking, reflecting the severe shortage and lack of economic alternatives.

Energy crisis in Cuba: Shutdown of the Guiteras plant causes alarming electricity deficit

The Antonio Guiteras Thermal Power Plant (CTE), the largest energy generation unit in Cuba, has gone offline from the National Electricity System (SEN) due to an issue with the power supply from a nearby substation. This situation increases the country’s energy deficit, which already exceeds 1,600 MW, intensifying power outages. The plant is expected to be re-synchronized in the coming hours, contributing 250 MW to the system. This crisis is further exacerbated by the maintenance of the Lidio Ramón Pérez thermal power plant, which has been out of service for 10 days.

Disappearance of teenagers in Matanzas unresolved after more than 15 days

Cuban teenagers Melanie Rodríguez González and Yoandriane Díaz García have been missing for over two weeks in the province of Matanzas without any news about their whereabouts. Despite the efforts of family members and reports to the authorities, there has been no progress in the case. Magaly Santiago, who is closely following the case, confirmed the lack of information and the worrying absence of answers. The Alas Tensas Gender Observatory highlights the increase in disappearances in Cuba, emphasizing the need to improve protocols for these emergencies.

The Cuban regime calls those advocating for change after decades of control "Batista's heirs."

The Cuban regime has disqualified Cubans calling for a democratic change, labeling them "heirs of Batista" to justify the ongoing economic and social crisis. Following recent U.S. sanctions, which reactivate Title III of the Helms-Burton Act and expand restrictions, the regime has intensified its rhetoric, blaming an "economic blockade" and defending its authoritarian model. However, internal protests and mass emigration highlight the growing rejection of the continuity of the government, which continues to erode freedoms and the quality of life in Cuba.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Current Situation in Cuba

What measures does the Cuban regime promise against the adulteration of infant milk?

The Cuban regime has promised severe sanctions against those responsible for adulterating infant milk in Las Tunas. This measure comes after it was discovered that the milk intended for children was diluted with water, highlighting issues of control and corruption in the state supply chain.

How is the value of currencies maintained in the informal Cuban market?

The value of the dollar, euro, and Freely Convertible Currency (MLC) remains stable in the Cuban informal market, with the dollar and euro at 340 CUP and the MLC at 240 CUP for 12 consecutive days. This stability occurs despite the sanctions on companies like Orbit S.A.

What recent incidents have caused alarm in Cuba?

A woman under the influence of the drug known as "el químico" caused alarm in Pinar del Río by attacking passersby and confronting the police. This incident, captured on video and shared on social media, has sparked criticism for police inaction and the woman's mental state.

What impact does the energy crisis currently have on Cuba?

The energy crisis in Cuba has worsened with the exit of the Antonio Guiteras Thermal Power Plant from the system, resulting in an electricity deficit that exceeds 1,600 MW. This has intensified blackouts, significantly affecting the daily lives of Cubans.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.