A man has been arrested in Santiago de Cuba with over 19,000 marijuana seeds and 950 plants in his backyard

The police found over 19,000 seeds and 950 marijuana plants in a home in Santiago de Cuba. The case highlights the rise of clandestine cultivation amid the country's economic crisis.

A drug trafficker is captured in Santiago de CubaPhoto © Collage Facebook / Heroes of Moncada

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A man was arrested in the town of Sigua, in Santiago de Cuba, after a marijuana cultivation was discovered in his home, which included over 19,000 seeds and 950 plants.

The official profile Héroes del Moncada, a regular spokesperson for the regime, reported on Facebook in a triumphant tone that the operation was carried out by forces from the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) with the collaboration of the “conscientious population aware of the harm this drug causes to Cuban families.”

Facebook Capture / Heroes of Moncada

The detainee, identified only as "Pepe," "did not expect the police to arrive at the yard of his house," according to the message shared on social media.

Although no details were provided about the magnitude of the operation or the destination of the seized drugs, the case was presented as part of the regime's ongoing offensive against what it describes as a "scourge."

In Cuba, the cultivation, possession, and distribution of marijuana are severely punished by law, even in small quantities.

The case highlights once again the rise of clandestine crops in rural and peripheral areas, a phenomenon that is increasing amid economic hardship, unemployment, and the lack of legal options for survival.

In the province of Las Tunas, a recently conducted anti-drug operation concluded with the arrest of nine individuals, including one woman, and the seizure of marijuana, chemical paper, cocaine, and cellular phones.

The intervention was carried out by the Ministry of Interior (MININT), and the official press highlighted the "conscious and active" participation of the population. Those involved are currently under investigation by the Provincial Criminal Investigation Unit.

Weeks earlier, in Santiago de Cuba, a man was arrested for “illegal gardening” after a marijuana grow was discovered in his home.

The case was revealed by the official page "Héroes del Moncada," which highlighted that the detained individual had planted the drugs in his own yard, using cut rum bottles as makeshift planters.

According to the report, the individual stated that he planted "what he had" without much interest, reflecting the increasing use of this practice as a means of survival amid the country's economic precariousness.

Frequently Asked Questions about Marijuana Cultivation and Trafficking in Cuba

Why was a man in Santiago de Cuba arrested with so many marijuana seeds?

The man was arrested for cultivating marijuana in his home in Santiago de Cuba, where authorities found more than 19,000 seeds and 950 plants. This case is part of an increase in clandestine cultivation amid the economic plight on the island.

How is marijuana trafficking being addressed in Cuba?

The Cuban regime has intensified operations against marijuana trafficking and cultivation, conducting arrests and seizures in several provinces. These actions are presented as part of an official offensive to control the growing illicit drug market in the country.

What legal consequences does someone face for cultivating marijuana in Cuba?

In Cuba, the cultivation, possession, and distribution of marijuana are severely punished. Offenders can face lengthy prison sentences and other penalties, such as asset confiscation and travel bans, in trials that are often used as examples by the regime.

What does the increase in marijuana cultivation in Cuba reflect?

The increase in marijuana cultivation in Cuba reflects the economic crisis and the lack of legal options for subsistence. Precariousness and unemployment have driven some to engage in illegal activities such as drug cultivation, in search of alternative sources of income.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.