Forces of the Ministry of the Interior (Minint) carried out an offensive in several municipalities of Granma over the past week, primarily focused on crimes related to drug trafficking and cultivation, as well as the smuggling of goods and the illegal slaughter of livestock.
In Bayamo, an anti-drug operation in the Ciro Redondo neighborhood led to the seizure of narcotics within a house, while in the Siboney neighborhood, a citizen was arrested for possession of marijuana.
In Pilón, the police uncovered a house where multiple plants of the same narcotic were being cultivated, reported the official newspaper La Demajagua.
Manzanillo was also the scene of several interventions: in the Caymari neighborhood, packages of marijuana were seized along with a significant amount of cash, presumably derived from trafficking.
In another incident, two individuals were intercepted while transporting illegal chemical drugs from Manzanillo to the provincial capital, the source added.
The authorities also arrested a trafficker in Bayamo who was hiding marijuana and chemical substances in his home, and caught an individual stealing at the Luis Ramírez López market.
The clandestine sacrifice of livestock also caught attention: in Manzanillo, the police arrested four individuals after slaughtering a bull that was not theirs in the Cayo Espino area, and detained a truck driver who was transporting over 400 boxes of Criollos cigars without legal documentation.
This is in addition to the seizure of over 1,000 illegal cigars in Bayamo, intended for informal sale at inflated prices, according to the news outlet.
Authorities believe that these results stem from the collaboration between the Minint and the public, although the level and variety of crimes indicate that the root of the problems goes beyond mere operations: there is a deeper lack of control that no police deployment has been able to contain.
In early July, the Minint in the eastern province reported on the expansion of the restricted area along the southern coastline of the municipalities of Pilón and Niquero, due to the increase in drug landings and the presence of individuals who illegally access that area to seize the narcotics and subsequently sell them.
Moreover, a court in the province of Granma , as part of an intensified judicial campaign against drug trafficking and consumption in Cuba.
Earlier, at the end of June, an "exemplary trial" took place in Niquero for the crime of assault against public order agents, as part of the Third National Exercise for the Prevention and Confrontation of Crime, Corruption, Drugs, Illegal Activities, and Social Indiscipline.
These actions take place amidst growing concern over the rise of drug trafficking and consumption on the island, especially the so-called synthetic cannabinoids or “chemical”, which have become more prevalent in urban areas like Havana.
The People's Supreme Court issued a new ruling that toughens penalties for those who traffic or possess these types of substances, 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 loopholes and provide more effective tools to address a phenomenon that, according to analysts, is overwhelming institutional response capacity.
The Cuban regime attempts to project an image of control through exemplary trials, but social media and citizen testimonies reveal a harsher reality.
In the country, there have been reports of up to entire families involved in drug trafficking networks, thousands of cases of devastating addictions, and a disintegrating social fabric.
Frequently Asked Questions about Crime and Drug Trafficking in Granma, Cuba
What actions has the Ministry of Interior in Granma taken to combat drug trafficking?
The Ministry of the Interior (Minint) has carried out a series of operations in several municipalities of Granma, such as Bayamo and Manzanillo, focused on drug trafficking and cultivation. These operations have resulted in the seizure of marijuana, chemical drugs, and the arrest of multiple individuals involved in these illegal activities. Additionally, restricted areas along the southern coast of Pilón and Niquero have been expanded to combat maritime drug trafficking.
What are the main criminal activities identified in Granma, Cuba?
The main criminal activities in Granma include drug trafficking and cultivation, tobacco smuggling, and illegal slaughtering of livestock. Recent police operations have revealed a growing trend in these crimes, despite the government's efforts to contain them through trials and police operations.
How has the economic crisis in Cuba affected the increase in crime?
The economic crisis in Cuba has exacerbated crime, particularly in drug trafficking and illegal livestock slaughter. The lack of economic opportunities and food scarcity have driven many people to engage in illicit activities to survive. This is reflected in the increase in police operations and the public's perception of insecurity on the island.
What are the legal consequences for those involved in drug trafficking activities in Cuba?
The legal consequences for those involved in drug trafficking in Cuba are severe. The Supreme People's Court has intensified the penalties, imposing prison sentences that can reach up to 30 years, life imprisonment, or even the death penalty in extreme cases. Furthermore, the authorities have begun to confiscate the assets of those who allow the trafficking and consumption of drugs on their properties.
Filed under:
