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A court in the province of Granma sentenced a Cuban citizen to eight years of imprisonment for possession of marijuana, as part of an intensified judicial crackdown on drug trafficking and consumption in Cuba.
An official report published by CNC TV Granma on Facebook indicates that the accused was caught by law enforcement agents in the Camilo Cienfuegos neighborhood, in the city of Bayamo, carrying a package of marijuana.
The Criminal Chamber I of the Provincial People's Tribunal of Granma held the oral and public hearing for case number 111 of 2025, issuing a convicting judgment after establishing the facts and ensuring due process.
The provincial chief prosecutor, Alina Medina Friman, confirmed that, in addition to the eight-year prison sentence, the defendant received additional penalties. The ruling reflects the tightening of criminal policy against offenses related to prohibited substances.
This case occurs in the context of growing concern over the rise of synthetic drugs on the island, especially the so-called synthetic cannabinoids or "chemicals," which have gained prominence in urban areas like Havana.
The Supreme People's Court issued a new ruling that tightens penalties for those who traffic or possess this type of substance, even in amounts less than one pound.
Authorities emphasize that these laboratory drugs, despite their similarity to marijuana, are highly toxic and can cause seizures, psychosis, or even death.
The new criteria aim to close legal gaps and provide more effective tools in the face of a phenomenon that, according to analysts, is overwhelming the capacity of institutional response.
The Cuban regime tries to project an image of control through exemplary trials, but social media and citizen testimonies reveal a harsher reality. The country has entire families involved in drug trafficking networks, thousands of cases of devastating addictions, and a disintegrating social fabric.
Frequently Asked Questions about Marijuana Possession Sentences in Cuba
Why was a man sentenced to eight years in prison for possession of marijuana in Cuba?
The provincial court of Granma sentenced the man to eight years in prison for possession of marijuana as part of a stricter penal policy against drug-related offenses. The ruling is part of a campaign by the Cuban regime to demonstrate control over drug trafficking and consumption on the island, often through exemplary trials.
What is the current context of drug trafficking in Cuba?
In Cuba, there is an intensification of "zero tolerance" policies against drugs. Drug trafficking and consumption have increased significantly, especially in urban areas, which has led the regime to implement exemplary trials and tighten penalties, even for smaller amounts of substances like marijuana and synthetic cannabinoids.
What repercussions do drug convictions have on the social fabric of Cuba?
Severe drug penalties in Cuba reflect a strategy of control rather than a real solution to the problem. This occurs in a context of economic and social crisis, where poverty and lack of opportunities push many Cubans toward illegal activities. Furthermore, the regime's repressive approach does not address the structural causes of the issue.
How do the new regulations on synthetic cannabinoids affect Cuba?
The Supreme People's Tribunal has tightened penalties for offenses related to synthetic cannabinoids, due to their high toxicity and addictive potential. The new regulations aim to close legal loopholes and impose more precise penalties, but they also reflect a tactic by the regime to showcase control in the face of a problem that overwhelms them.
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