A 50-year-old Cuban citizen appeared before the Provincial Court of Havana accused of drug-related offenses, due to a package in his name that arrived in Cuba from the Dominican Republic and contained cocaine, for which he could be sentenced to up to 30 years in prison, according to the authorities.
A report from the state television news reported that the accused, whose name was not revealed, was the recipient of a package containing 7.9 kilograms of cocaine hidden inside, which had been sent by “an individual known for his connections to drug trafficking” in the Dominican Republic, according to “witnesses specialized in the use of international cooperation for these cases.”
The detainee, who has no criminal record, was tried in an exemplary trial held in the Room for Crimes against State Security as part of the criminal division of the Provincial People's Court of Havana and could face a sentence of between 10 and 30 years in prison for "offenses related to illicit drugs and substances with similar effects."
According to the report, "the sentence will be communicated to him shortly and he will be able to file appeals to contest it before the Supreme Court."
The accused has "employment ties," the note indicated, although it did not specify what work he does.
The state television report emphasized that the Cuban government has a "zero tolerance policy toward drugs" and therefore prioritizes the "confrontation" against drugs coming from abroad. It also acknowledged that there is a "concern" about the amount of drugs that may enter the country through parcels.
The Ministry of the Interior reported in a post on the social network X that this week exemplary trials have been held in the Provincial People's Court of Havana against "defendants in cases of illicit drug trafficking," as part of a prevention and anti-drug effort in the capital.
In recent days, the police have intensified their crackdown on drug trafficking with operations in several municipalities of Havana, during which dozens of individuals have been detained for alleged possession of illicit substances and controlled medications.
Cuban authorities arrested a passenger at José Martí International Airport in the capital when he attempted to enter the country with three kilograms of methamphetamines, while customs agents at Juan Gualberto Gómez International Airport in Matanzas detected electronic cigarettes containing hexahydrocannabinol (HHC), a synthetic cannabinoid with psychoactive effects.
Frequently asked questions about drug trafficking and exemplary trials in Cuba
What charges is the Cuban citizen facing in Havana for the package of cocaine?
The Cuban citizen is accused of drug-related offenses due to a package containing 7.9 kilograms of cocaine sent from the Dominican Republic in his name. He could face a sentence of 10 to 30 years in prison following a landmark trial in Havana.
What is the Cuban government's policy regarding drug trafficking?
The Cuban government maintains a policy of "zero tolerance" for drug trafficking, prioritizing the confrontation of drugs coming from abroad. This is reflected in police operations and exemplary trials to deter the trafficking and consumption of narcotics in the country.
What is an exemplary trial in Cuba?
Exemplary trials in Cuba are judicial processes aimed at deterring criminal activity by demonstrating the legal consequences of illegal actions. These trials are public and are used to educate the community about the criminal implications, especially in cases of drug trafficking.
How is drug trafficking affecting Cuban society?
Drug trafficking, particularly of substances such as "the chemical" and marijuana, has raised growing concerns in Cuba. Mass consumption among youth is causing severe physical and mental effects, as well as an increase in crime and deaths from overdose.
What measures are the Cuban authorities taking to combat drug trafficking?
Cuban authorities have intensified drug enforcement operations and improved collaboration with the public to identify and dismantle drug trafficking networks. However, the effectiveness of these measures is questionable due to the increasing number of violations and the complexity of the drug trafficking problem on the island.
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