A Cuban citizen was arrested last Monday, July 28, at the Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito, Ecuador, while attempting to return to the island with over a kilogram of cocaine hidden in cans of sardines and other products in his luggage.
The arrest occurred after the alert from the drug-sniffing dog Chispa, who detected illegal substances in the passenger's suitcase, which has not been identified, just before 9:00 a.m., reported the portal Extra.
During an inspection, agents found a white substance cleverly concealed in latex wrappers and metal containers labeled as sardines. The field test confirmed that it was cocaine hydrochloride.
In total, the seized shipment amounted to 1.26 kilograms, equivalent to 12,600 personal doses. The final destination of the stash was Cuba, where its value on the black market can multiply by several factors due to scarcity and the increasing consumption among young people, as acknowledged by the Cuban authorities themselves.
The detainee has been placed at the disposal of the Ecuadorian justice system. According to Article 220 of the Comprehensive Organic Penal Code (COIP) of that country, drug trafficking can be punished with sentences of up to 13 years in prison, depending on the amount and type of substance seized.
In December 2024, the National Police of Ecuador seized at the Guayaquil airport 964 grams of cocaine disguised as natural supplements in capsules. They were intended for Havana, and their estimated market value in Cuba exceeded 19 thousand dollars. The drug managed to evade initial controls until it was detected by a specialized dog.
And just last February, another Cuban, identified as Miguel O., was arrested along with an Ecuadorian and a Venezuelan as part of a network that moved 74 kilograms of base cocaine. The three face charges for large-scale drug trafficking, a crime that carries severe prison sentences in Ecuador.
The other side of the exodus and despair
These cases reflect a critical aspect of Cuban migration: the economic desperation and the smuggling networks that exploit vulnerable citizens. Some are used as "mules" without knowing the seriousness of what they are transporting, while others become actively involved due to the lack of opportunities and the collapse of the economic model on the island.
Meanwhile, Cuban authorities acknowledge an increase in drug consumption, particularly among teenagers and young adults, a reality that contrasts with decades of official narratives denying the existence of this social issue in Cuba.
The attempts to introduce drugs to the island through luggage, parcels, or organized networks —such as those dismantled in Ecuador— constitute an urgent alert regarding the expansion of drug trafficking along routes where Cuba is increasingly appearing, not only as a transit point but also as a destination.
Frequently Asked Questions about Drug Trafficking in Cuba and Ecuador
How was the Cuban citizen arrested at the Quito airport?
The Cuban citizen was arrested following an alert from a drug-sniffing dog that detected illegal substances in his luggage. The drugs were concealed in cans of sardines and other products. The police confirmed that it was cocaine hydrochloride.
What is the situation regarding drug trafficking to Cuba?
In recent times, there has been a significant increase in attempts to smuggle drugs into Cuba, reflecting the expansion of drug trafficking in the region. Authorities have detected numerous cases of drugs hidden in luggage and shipments, and they acknowledge a rise in drug consumption, especially among young people.
What penalties do those involved in drug trafficking face in Ecuador?
In Ecuador, drug trafficking can be punished with sentences of up to 13 years in prison, according to Article 220 of the Comprehensive Organic Criminal Code (COIP). The severity of the penalty depends on the quantity and type of substance seized.
What methods do drug traffickers use to camouflage substances?
Traffickers are using increasingly sophisticated methods to conceal drugs, such as hiding them in cans of sardines, appliances, gummy candies, electronic cigarettes, and others. Creativity in these methods has increased, challenging customs and security controls.
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