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The Revolutionary National Police (PNR) arrested a truck loaded with undocumented goods in Santa Clara, confiscating a total of 404 sacks of rice, along with other products and cash.
In this seizure, the agents found 404 bags of rice, 132 bags of pumpkin, and 187,000 CUP in cash, with the individuals involved unable to present contracts or documents that justified the origin of the products, reported journalist Henry Omar Pérez on Facebook.
Pérez emphasized that, in addition, it was found that the documentation provided was fake.
However, the journalist did not report whether the vehicle was private or state-owned, although given its size, it is easy to assume it belongs to a government entity. Similarly, the origin of the goods was not specified.
The operation resulted in the arrest of three individuals, who are facing charges for illicit economic activity.
The investigations revealed that the truck driver had agreed to a payment of 350,000 CUP for the transportation of the cargo, highlighting the scale of this illegal food trafficking network.
This is the second truck intercepted in Santa Clara with similar goods.
In a previous seizure, the PNR confiscated 150 sacks of rice, bringing the total amount seized to 554 sacks, which were allegedly handed over to government authorities for distribution.
This fact, which the authorities present as a commitment to fighting corruption and the diversion of resources, is also evidence of the deep economic crisis the country is experiencing, as well as the lack of control exhibited by the regime's officials.
In December, a private truck transporting 88 bags of locally grown rice was stopped at kilometer 141 of the National Highway, near Jagüey Grande, Matanzas.
According to the official profile of Facebook "Con Todos La Victoria", the shipment lacked legal documentation verifying its origin or ownership, and it did not have authorization from the Agriculture Department or a Self-Employed Worker (TCP) license.
That same month, as part of the Cuban regime's crusade against illegal activities, in an attempt by the leader Miguel Díaz-Canel to project an image of action against crime, authorities detained two trucks loaded with 15 tons of rice in Cienfuegos.
The official profile of Facebook “Las Cosas de Fernanda” reported that, as part of the efforts to combat illegal activities in the municipality of Aguada de Pasajeros, authorities intercepted two trucks carrying a total of 322 sacks of rice, amounting to 15 tons.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Seizure of Rice and the Fight Against Corruption in Cuba
Why was a truck with 404 bags of rice seized in Santa Clara?
The truck was seized because it was transporting goods without legal documentation, including 404 bags of rice, which is considered part of an illegal food trafficking network in Cuba. This type of operation is a measure by the Cuban government to address corruption and the diversion of resources.
What are the consequences of food seizures in Cuba?
The seizures exacerbate the food scarcity crisis in Cuba, as a large volume of products is removed from the market, further limiting the population's access to basic food items. Additionally, these measures generate social discontent and are perceived as ineffective in addressing the underlying issues of the Cuban economic system.
What importance does rice have in the Cuban diet?
Rice is a basic and essential food in the daily diet of Cubans, being one of the main components of meals in the country. The scarcity of rice severely affects the population, forcing many people to turn to the black market, where prices are unaffordable for most.
How does the Cuban population react to government operations against corruption?
The Cuban population expresses frustration and discontent towards government operations, perceiving them as ineffective and unjust measures. Many believe that these actions do not address the structural problems causing food shortages and increasing social tensions.
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