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A series of robberies that had kept several rural communities in the Mayarí municipality on edge came to an end on Thursday following a police operation that caught the perpetrators with more than 400 pounds of stolen meat, several live cows, horses, and tools used for cattle smuggling.
The incident involved seven individuals, several of whom were members of the same family.
The band, composed of Yunior Grau Estipiñán, Elidoy Peláez, Alexander Díaz Batista, Osmany Grau Estipiñán, Wilder Estipiñán, Wilmer Estipiñán Paredes, and Felipe Estipiñán, had been operating for months in locations such as Cosme Batey, Herrera, Caridad, Juan Vicente, and Calabazas 6.
According to reports gathered from the profile of Facebook Cazador-Cazado, the meetings among members of the criminal network were not just simple family gatherings, as it initially appeared, but rather part of an organized operation involving theft and smuggling.
From their base in La Pedrona, Mayarí, they were dedicated to stripping farmers of their most prized possession: cattle. According to testimonies from residents, the criminals moved easily throughout the region, taking advantage of the lack of surveillance, and made off with cows and horses.
During the police operation, more than 400 pounds of meat were seized along with organs, as well as knives, bludgeons, and scales—tools commonly used for slaughtering and processing livestock.
Four live cows and five horses were also recovered, which were returned to their rightful owners.
The theft of cattle in the region severely affects producers, and a large number of cases remain unpunished.
The authorities indicated that those responsible will be legally prosecuted for their crimes. Nonetheless, the community continues to express its concerns about safety in rural areas, as livestock remains a constant target of crime in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cattle Theft and Crime in Cuba
What happened to the band of butchers in Mayarí?
The butchers' gang in Mayarí was dismantled by the police following an operation in which more than 400 pounds of stolen meat, live cows, horses, and tools for cattle smuggling were seized. This group operated in several rural communities in Holguín, severely impacting local producers.
How does cattle theft affect the community of Holguín?
The theft of livestock severely affects local producers, as livestock is one of the most valuable assets for rural communities in Holguín. These crimes not only result in significant economic losses but also increase the sense of insecurity among the residents of the region.
What measures is the Cuban government taking against cattle theft?
The Cuban government conducts police operations and exemplary trials to try to curb cattle theft. However, these measures have been criticized for not addressing the underlying causes of the problem, such as the economic crisis and food shortages, which push some to resort to illegal activities to survive.
Why does cattle-related crime persist in Cuba?
Cattle-related crime persists due to the scarcity and high cost of meat in legal markets, leading many people to seek alternatives in the black market. Furthermore, the lack of effective surveillance in rural areas facilitates the operation of criminal gangs that engage in cattle theft.
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