Related videos:
A police presence in Pinar del Río aims to put a stop to the illegal races involving motorcycles and horses that have proliferated in the provincial capital and nearby municipalities in recent months.
According to a report from the official newspaper Granma, the operation is part of a plan to tackle crimes, illegal activities, and social indiscipline that impact road safety and public tranquility.
Lieutenant Colonel Reivan Vázquez Rodríguez, head of the Revolutionary National Police in the area, explained that dozens of fines have been imposed, there are several detainees, and motorcycles and cars linked to these incidents have been seized.
Among the most recent cases is an underground competition held in September at the former airfield on the road to La Coloma, an event that took place with complete impunity in full view of the regime.
The investigations revealed that participants were also running in other parts of the city, such as Vial Colón, Martí Street, and the national highway between Hermanos Saíz University and the Las Ovas bridge, and even traveled to Minas de Matahambre, which indicates that all this was happening some time ago and without control.
The official noted that these practices are not isolated and pose serious risks. As an example, he mentioned an incident where individuals blocked the road to La Coloma to organize a horse race, preventing a vehicle from passing that was transporting an injured girl to the hospital.
The authorities also identified a group of individuals preparing horses for competition and sending videos to owners residing abroad, thus highlighting the depth of the problem without finding an effective solution.
In response, a specialized team was formed with transit motorcycles and patrol cars to tackle these actions.
The operation included measures against drivers of motorcycles and scooters without a license, as well as those who modify exhaust pipes or play loud music.
Furthermore, actions were taken against other crimes such as the illegal extraction of rebar from irrigation channels, theft and slaughter of livestock, and violent robberies.
According to the authorities, the objective is to respond to the demands of the population and to curb practices that impact daily life in Pinar del Río.
For some time now, illegal motorcycle and car racing has become a persistent phenomenon in several Cuban provinces.
The issue has been highlighted even by public figures, such as a writer from Pinar who harshly criticized the police for allowing these races on public roads, pointing out their danger and the apparent impunity of the participants.
Far from being limited to Pinar del Río, the phenomenon is national in scope. In Placetas, for example, a group of motorcyclists challenged other provinces through social media, calling for mechanical showdowns that highlight the existence of a parallel culture surrounding these types of clandestine events.
In the absence of legal alternatives, many involved have begun to demand a regulated avenue for practicing motorsport. Drivers and race organizers in various provinces have made their proposals public, advocating for the official recognition of this activity, arguing that it could be a source of sports and economic development.
A group of Cuban drivers has led campaigns to achieve this, while groups of motorcyclists have also requested formal authorization to safely organize events.
Frequently Asked Questions about the police operation in Pinar del Río
What measures were taken during the police operation in Pinar del Río?
The operation included the imposition of dozens of fines, arrests, and the seizure of motorcycles and cars linked to illegal racing. Additionally, actions were taken against motorcycle riders without licenses and against those who modify exhaust pipes or play loud music.
What impact do illegal races have in Pinar del Río?
Illegal races pose a serious risk to road safety and public tranquility. A notable case was when the road to La Coloma was closed to organize a horse race, preventing a vehicle transporting an injured girl to the hospital from passing.
What other illegalities are faced in Pinar del Río?
In addition to illegal races, the operation also focused on the illegal extraction of rebar from irrigation channels, the theft and slaughter of livestock, and violent robberies. These practices severely impact daily life and security in the region.
How are these operations related to other issues in Cuba?
The operations in Pinar del Río are part of a broader effort by the Cuban government to tackle the rise in crime and social issues. In other provinces such as Granma, operations against drug trafficking, smuggling, and illegal slaughter of livestock have also been conducted, reflecting a national trend toward social control and the repression of illegal activities.
Filed under: