Citizens from Cuba and the Dominican Republic exchanged gunfire in downtown Montevideo, Uruguay, on Monday afternoon, allegedly over the control of drug sales in an area of the city, according to reports from media outlets.
Around 5 p.m. on Monday, armed men opened fire on Yaguarón Street between La Paz and Galicia in the center of the Uruguayan capital, involving at least four individuals.
One of the individuals involved was shot in the left leg, resulting in a femur fracture, and was urgently taken to a medical center, reported the channel Teledoce (Telemundo).
The wounded individual, whose identity has not been disclosed, is 36 years old and has nine prior criminal offenses. He was released from prison a week ago and, according to neighbors, runs a "drug spot" (a place for selling narcotics) that operates in the area.
The police are investigating the case as a confrontation over drug trafficking and explained that the dispute occurred between Cubans and Dominicans who operate a "drug spot" located at the intersection of Yaguarón and La Paz, according to the news portal Subrayado.
He added that on that corner "there is a gray building that constantly attracts customers" and the "counterpart" of this sales establishment is another one located a few blocks away, on Piedra Alta Street.
According to the reports, the other individuals involved in the gunfire fled the scene.
Residents in the central neighborhood where the shooting took place were shocked and frightened by the violent incident, which was recorded by a neighbor and shared on social media.
The Operational Zone 1 of the Montevideo Police is responsible for investigating the case.
Last Saturday, a Cuban man was arrested in a police operation that dismantled a drug trafficking network in the cities of Neuquén capital and Añelo, Argentina.
Other Cubans have been involved in multiple criminal events in Uruguay during 2024. In November, a citizen from the island was sentenced to six years and eight months in prison in the South American country for several crimes, which included aggravated sexual abuse, domestic violence, personal injury, and ammunition trafficking. After serving the sentence, he will be deported to Cuba.
One month earlier, two Cubans were arrested by the police after being detected bringing illegal products into Uruguay; furthermore, one of them attempted to bribe the officers.
Three more Cubans were arrested in the department of Maldonado for assaulting law enforcement officers and damaging a police vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Armed Confrontation between Cubans and Dominicans in Uruguay
What happened in the confrontation between Cubans and Dominicans in Montevideo?
In the center of Montevideo, Uruguay, a shooting occurred between Cuban and Dominican citizens, allegedly over control of drug sales in the area. The incident involved at least four people and left one man injured with a gunshot wound to the leg. The police are investigating the case as a confrontation over drug trafficking.
What is the situation of violence among migrant communities in Uruguay?
Violence among migrant communities in Uruguay has been on the rise, with several recent incidents involving Cuban citizens. These events reflect increasing tensions, particularly related to illicit activities such as drug trafficking. The Uruguayan police are taking measures to investigate and manage these incidents.
What are the backgrounds of those involved in the shooting in Montevideo?
One of the individuals involved in the shooting, who was injured, is 36 years old and has nine criminal records. He was released from prison a week ago and is connected to operating a drug sales point in the area where the confrontation took place.
How has the local community reacted to the shooting in Montevideo?
The local community in Montevideo is shocked and frightened after the shooting. Residents are expressing their concern for safety in the neighborhood, especially with the presence of gangs linked to drug trafficking openly operating in the area.
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