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Seven people were arrested this Wednesday in Las Tunas during an operation against drug trafficking, according to the Provincial Delegation of the Ministry of the Interior (MININT).
The action, framed within the regime's so-called "zero tolerance" policy, took place in People's Council 1, District 13, of the main municipality, as noted in the announcement published by the provincial government on its Facebook profile.
According to the statement, during the intervention, the detainees were found in possession of marijuana, cocaine, and chemical paper, which is regarded as evidence of the crime.
The operation involved the participation of the MININT forces and political and mass organizations, the publication emphasized.
Currently, the detainees are at the Provincial Criminal Investigation Unit, where they are facing charges of drug trafficking, while investigations continue.
The authorities presumed that the fight against drugs continues to be a priority for the Cuban government, with the support of the security forces and the "combative and aware" participation of the population.
However, in a context of social and economic crisis, the increase in operations of this type reflects the growth of the illegal drug market on the island.
For example, police operations in Havana against drug trafficking have increased significantly in recent days, according to reports from official profiles on social media that have shared data and images about drug seizures and arrests in several municipalities.
The internet user identified as Javier Gutiérrez, associated with the Cuban police, reported from his Facebook profile that in Havana municipalities, drug raids have been conducted, leading to the seizure of large sums of money and the apprehension of Cubans connected to drug trafficking.
Despite the operations and official propaganda, drug trafficking in Cuba continues to rise. In 2024, according to the government spokesperson Humberto López, 980 legal cases related to drugs were filed, with 1,193 individuals judged and 1,157 convicted, 94% of whom received prison sentences or correctional detention. Additionally, several of the defendants had assets such as land, houses, jewelry, money, and vehicles confiscated.
However, although the regime boasts of having seized a ton of cocaine, marijuana, cannabinoids, and methamphetamines in 2024, the reality is that these substances continue to circulate widely on the island.
The official Granma reported that only five criminal proceedings have been opened regarding fast boats that introduce drugs into Cuba and return to the U.S. with illegal immigrants, suggesting that the drug trafficking network operates more easily than the government acknowledges.
Frequently Asked Questions about the anti-drug operation in Las Tunas and the increase of drug trafficking in Cuba
How many people were detained in the anti-drug operation in Las Tunas?
Seven people were arrested in Las Tunas during an operation carried out by the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) against drug trafficking.
What substances were confiscated during the operation in Las Tunas?
During the operation, the detainees were found in possession of marijuana, cocaine, and chemical paper, considered evidence of the crime by the authorities.
What is the current situation of drug trafficking in Cuba?
Despite the operations and official propaganda, drug trafficking in Cuba continues to rise. In 2024, 980 legal cases related to drugs were filed, and 1,157 people were convicted, 94% of whom received prison sentences.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to combat drug trafficking?
The Cuban government has intensified drug enforcement operations, supporting a "zero tolerance" policy, and has announced the creation of the National Drug Observatory (OND) to oversee and monitor the drug phenomenon on the island. However, drugs continue to circulate widely, highlighting the ineffectiveness of these measures.
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