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The Provincial People's Court of Santiago de Cuba sentenced two citizens, aged 25 and 30, to 12 years of imprisonment after finding them guilty of a crime related to illegal drugs or substances with similar effects.
In the trial corresponding to case 28 of 2025, the court also imposed additional sanctions such as a prohibition on leaving the country and the confiscation of assets related to the crime, specified a note from the judicial instance published by the newspaper Sierra Maestra.
The accused, whose identities have not been revealed, were arrested by the police while traveling on a Transtur bus heading to Havana.
In the stretch of the Central Highway in the municipality of Contramaestre, during a search of their belongings, the authorities discovered 501 grams of marijuana, a digital scale with traces of the substance, and cash, without specifying the amount.
According to reports, the accused "were monitored by the National Anti-Drug Directorate due to their ongoing illegal activities," and "despite being aware of the existing prohibitions in our country regarding the sale of drugs and their dire health consequences, they did not hesitate to commit the crime."
The Chamber for Crimes Against State Security, functioning in the criminal jurisdiction of the Provincial People's Court of Santiago de Cuba, applied article 235.1, paragraphs a) and 2 g) of the Penal Code, which stipulates penalties ranging from 10 to 30 years of imprisonment, life imprisonment, or even the death penalty in the most serious cases.
According to the official report, the procedural guarantees and due process established in the Constitution and the Criminal Procedure Law were respected during the trial. Both the convicted individuals and the prosecution have the right to appeal.
In April of last year, the Provincial Popular Court of Santiago de Cuba sentenced a man to 12 years in prison for transporting 485 grams of marijuana to Camagüey. In this case, additional measures were also applied, such as the confiscation of money, a ban on leaving the country, and the deprivation of civil rights.
Two young men were sentenced to eight and nine years in prison for cultivating and selling marijuana and "the chemical." Also recently, another 22-year-old was sentenced in Las Tunas "as a deterrent" to one year in prison for possession of the "chemical."
Last week, the official press also reported on the sentences of 15, 18, and 20 years of imprisonment for three citizens, found guilty of the crime of drug trafficking in an oral and public trial held in the State Security Crimes room of the Provincial People's Court of Havana.
Since last year, authorities have increased the severity of penalties for drug-related offenses. Xian Fong Zamora, president of the First Criminal Chamber of the Provincial People's Court of Havana, stated that more than 92% of those accused of drug trafficking have been sentenced to effective prison terms.
Sanctions could reach up to 30 years in prison, life imprisonment, or even the death penalty, depending on aggravating circumstances such as the involvement of minors, large quantities of drugs, or connections with international networks.
This judicial offensive through exemplary trials is occurring amidst a worrying increase in drug consumption within Cuban schools, a situation acknowledged even by authorities and state media.
The government admitted that there are minors involved both in the consumption and sale of drugs, which has raised alarms within the judicial system and State Security.
Likewise, the regime has responded to this situation by reinforcing the narrative that "the full weight of the law" will fall upon those who threaten the stability of society, through a discourse that blends exemplary punishment with a supposed preventive action.
Frequently Asked Questions about Drug Trafficking and Exemplary Trials in Cuba
Why were two young people in Santiago de Cuba sentenced to 12 years in prison?
The two young men were sentenced to 12 years in prison for trafficking marijuana. They were arrested on a bus heading to Havana, where they were found with 501 grams of marijuana, a digital scale, and cash. This sentence is part of the exemplary trials that the Cuban regime is conducting to curb drug trafficking on the island.
What does an exemplary trial entail in Cuba?
An exemplary trial in Cuba is a judicial process that aims to deter the commission of crimes by demonstrating the legal consequences of illegal actions. These trials are public and are used to educate the community about the implications of criminal behavior, especially in cases of drug trafficking.
How is drug trafficking affecting Cuban society?
The drug trafficking issue has raised increasing concerns in Cuba due to its widespread use among young people, who suffer serious physical and mental consequences. The lack of control and education regarding the dangers of these drugs has led to a rise in crime and overdose deaths, highlighting the regime's inability to address this public health crisis.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to combat drug trafficking?
The Cuban government has intensified security operations and has improved collaboration with citizens to identify and dismantle drug sales and distribution points. However, the effectiveness of these measures remains questionable due to the increasing number of offenses and the complexity of the drug trafficking problem on the island.
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