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Residents of the San Miguel del Padrón municipality in Havana reported that at the bustling La Cuevita market, adulterated toothpaste is being sold that, although it appears original due to being sealed with nylon, only contains a piece of wood once opened at home, a scam that illustrates the extent of poverty in Cuba.
The report, published by independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada on his Facebook page, warns that this issue affects not only tubes of toothpaste but also boxes of soap that arrive sealed but do not contain the actual product.
Buyers claim that everything is offered as "genuine" merchandise until they uncover the fraud when unwrapping them.
In a country where obtaining basic items like personal care and hygiene has already become a daily ordeal, the population now also has to confront scams that not only drain their wallets but also jeopardize their health.
The discontent among Havana residents is evident: paying a high price to receive a deception has become the latest humiliation for a people who are surviving amidst power outages, shortages, and a black market that turns necessity into business.
In La Cuevita, everything seems possible except for safe purchases: police operations and brazen frauds appear alike, in a space that has become a true portrait of disorder and a government unable to guarantee even the most basic necessities.
A social media user reported this Friday the sale of cartons of fake H. Upmann cigars filled with sawdust.
Another internet user, Giovanys Fernández Abreu, also mentioned similar scams on the same site: “The scammers from La Cuevita, in San Miguel del Padrón, with the boxes of soap,” he wrote on his Facebook profile.
A alleged scam triggered a violent fight last March in the popular shopping area. Prior to that, in December 2024, an inspector injured a street vendor with a knife, in a conflict that showcased the daily chaos in the locale.
In March 2023, a woman reported buying what she believed was oil, but it turned out to be water with vinegar. And in December 2024, an inspector assaulted a vendor with a bayonet in the middle of the market.
Despite an expensive renovation in 2019 costing over two million pesos - 600,000 contributed by self-employed workers - according to official figures, La Cuevita continues to face complaints regarding disorder, dirtiness, and repeated scams.
A young Cuban documented her visit to the place in May 2025. “The streets are broken, filled with trash, there are no visible trash bins, and even less awareness of maintaining good hygiene,” she warned.
He also criticized the sale of medications on the site: “Since there are no medications in pharmacies and these sites are full of medications... I don't know if this will be cleaned up at some point because it all looks so depressing.”
Frequently Asked Questions about Scams and Shortages in La Cuevita, Cuba
What types of scams have been reported in the La Cuevita market in Havana?
In La Cuevita, scams involving basic products have been reported such as toothpaste that, when opened, only contains a piece of wood, and sealed boxes of soap that do not contain the actual product. Furthermore, there have been reports of cartons of cigarettes that contain sawdust instead of tobacco. These scams reflect an environment of fraud in the context of widespread shortages in Cuba.
Why are scams in La Cuevita a recurring problem?
Scams in La Cuevita are common due to the lack of control and the scarcity of basic products in the country, which forces citizens to turn to informal markets. The absence of effective regulation and the impunity with which some vendors operate contribute to the persistence of these types of fraud. Despite governmental attempts to control the situation, such as renovations and police operations, the issue remains.
What impact do these scams have on the Cuban population?
Scams negatively impact the Cuban population by emptying their pockets and putting their health at risk, in addition to increasing frustration and general discomfort. In a context where acquiring basic items is already challenging, scams represent an additional blow to the dignity of a people who face extreme daily limitations, from blackouts to shortages of food and hygiene products.
What measures have the authorities taken to control the situation in La Cuevita?
The authorities have conducted police operations and renovations in La Cuevita to try to control illegal trade and improve the environment. However, these actions have not succeeded in resolving the situation of chaos and scams, as the lack of lasting structural changes continues to allow the black market to thrive in the area.
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