The Chamber for Crimes against State Security, in the Criminal Division of the Provincial People's Court of Santiago de Cuba, sentenced a Cuban citizen to eight years of deprivation of liberty for an offense related to illicit drugs, as stipulated in article 235.1 of the current Penal Code.
According to the case number 53 of the year 2025, the accused was arrested on July 2, 2024, in the morning while traveling along the Mar Verde road at kilometer one and a half in Santiago de Cuba.
At the time of the arrest, the individual was concealing a nylon bag in his genitals that contained two packages of marijuana plant material.
Additionally, the authorities seized a Samsung mobile phone and a sum of 2,000 Cuban pesos in cash.
Exemplary trial and sanctions
A recent report from Tele Turquino indicated that the public trial against the accused "was held under the established procedural guarantees and with full respect for due process."
The court considered the defendant's conduct as aggravating factors, as he took the packages containing the drugs and concealed them in his clothing with the intention of selling them in the city.
In light of the seriousness of the events and the personal characteristics of the individual involved, the court imposed a penalty of eight years of imprisonment, within the legal framework established for this type of crime, which stipulates sentences ranging from four to ten years in prison.
Alongside the main sentence, additional sanctions were imposed, including the deprivation of rights, the confiscation of the illegal substance and the seized money, as well as a prohibition on leaving the national territory.
Frequently Asked Questions about Drug Offenses in Cuba
Why was an eight-year sentence imposed on a Cuban citizen in Santiago de Cuba?
The citizen was sentenced to eight years in prison for transporting marijuana hidden on a road in Santiago de Cuba, with the intention of selling it in the city, which was considered an aggravating factor in his trial.
What additional measures are applied alongside sentences for drug offenses in Cuba?
In addition to prison sentences, accessory sanctions are typically imposed such as the deprivation of rights, the seizure of assets and money related to the crime, and the prohibition of leaving the national territory.
How is the Cuban regime facing drug trafficking in the country?
The Cuban government has adopted a policy of "zero tolerance" and has intensified exemplary trials, imposing severe penalties and confiscating assets to deter drug trafficking and consumption on the island.
What role does marijuana play in the increase of drug trafficking in Cuba?
Marijuana is one of the most trafficked substances in Cuba and has been the focus of numerous police operations. Its trafficking and cultivation are subject to severe penalties aimed at curbing its spread on the island.
What is the current situation of drug use in Cuban schools?
The consumption of drugs has alarmingly increased in Cuban schools, with minors involved in consumption and trafficking, which has prompted the government to intensify control and repression measures.
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