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Cuban authorities reported on Friday that during 2024, 1,051 kilograms of drugs were seized, mainly consisting of cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, and cannabinoids.
According to a report from the state-run newspaper Granma, that year 1,157 individuals linked to drug trafficking were also sanctioned.
The newspaper cites a report from the Ministry of Interior (Minint), which indicates that the main route for drug entry into the country was by sea, with 133 instances of recalo that led to the confiscation of 844 kilograms.
In addition, the authorities worked on five cases related to the use of speedboats that illegally entered national territory from the United States, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica, with the purpose of introducing drugs and trafficking people.
Through aerial routes, authorities thwarted 28 attempts to smuggle substances such as synthetic cannabinoids (commonly known as "chemical"), methamphetamine, and other drugs, which were seized in various forms, including powder and paper bites.
In the domestic sphere, 157 drug trafficking operations were disrupted, resulting in the seizure of 73 kilograms of illegal substances and the arrest of 267 individuals involved, with the provinces of La Habana, Camagüey, Holguín, Granma, and Santiago de Cuba showing the highest incidence.
The Minint highlighted that in 2024, sanctions were imposed on 1,157 individuals connected to drug trafficking offenses.
Most of the sentences involved deprivation of liberty, with some alternatives of correctional work with internment.
Cuban authorities acknowledge an increase in drug consumption on the island, particularly among young people, and express their concern about the circulation of narcotics.
This problem is primarily addressed as a public order issue, and the government has announced measures to combat it, akin to a recent campaign in various neighborhoods of the capital.
In December 2024, several "exemplary trials" related to drug trafficking were held, resulting in sentences of up to 15 years in prison for possession and sale of small quantities of substances.
The Cuban Penal Code establishes severe penalties for the trafficking of illegal drugs, with sanctions ranging from 4 to 30 years in prison, and in some cases, the death penalty.
Frequently Asked Questions about Drug Trafficking in Cuba in 2024
How much drugs did the Cuban authorities seize in 2024?
Cuban authorities seized a total of 1,051 kilograms of drugs in 2024, primarily cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, and cannabinoids, according to a report from the Ministry of the Interior published in the official newspaper Granma.
What was the main route for drug entry into Cuba in 2024?
The main route for drug entry into Cuba was maritime, with 133 incidents of landing that resulted in the confiscation of 844 kilograms of illicit substances. Additionally, there were reported cases involving speedboats coming from the United States, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica.
How has the Cuban government responded to the increase in drug consumption?
The Cuban government has intensified its efforts to combat drug trafficking through operations and sanctions. In 2024, 1,157 individuals were sanctioned for drug-related crimes, and the government plans to establish a National Drug Observatory in 2025 to monitor the drug phenomenon on the island.
What punitive measures does the Cuban Penal Code provide for drug trafficking offenses?
The Cuban Penal Code establishes severe penalties for drug trafficking, with sentences ranging from 4 to 30 years in prison, and even the death penalty in some cases. Additionally, assets related to criminal activity may be confiscated.
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