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The First Criminal Chamber of the Provincial Court of Las Tunas sentenced a citizen from the municipality of Amancio to 15 years in prison after being found guilty of trafficking marijuana.
The judicial process began in September of last year when the defendant was arrested in Las Tunas with a significant amount of money in national currency and three packages of plant material, which he attempted to dispose of by throwing them a few meters away at the moment of his arrest.
The evidence presented included matching the scent traces from the wrappers with those of the accused and confirmation of marijuana in his urine, reported the official newspaper 26.
According to the court, the citizen had previously been sanctioned for similar criminal acts.
In addition to the 15 years of imprisonment, additional penalties were imposed, such as the confiscation of the seized money and a prohibition on leaving the country while serving the sentence.
The ruling pertains to case No. 77 of 2025, where the defendant had legal representation and, according to the court, all the guarantees of due process were observed, the source stated.
The ruling is part of the Fourth National Exercise for Crime Prevention and Combating, and is aligned with the official "Zero Tolerance" policy on drugs.
Both the accused and the prosecution have the option to file a cassation appeal if they are not satisfied with the ruling, the media outlet pointed out.
During this week, and up until today, Saturday, the IV National Exercise on Prevention and Confrontation of crime, corruption, illegal activities, and social indiscipline is being carried out throughout Cuba, organized under the Cuba Segura program.
As part of the Exercise, the Provincial People's Tribunal of Holguín held a symbolic trial against three Cubans accused of drug trafficking.
According to official information, the accused were sentenced as co-authors of the drug trafficking crime stipulated in the current Penal Code, with penalties ranging from 4 to 10 years in prison. Furthermore, the court regarded it as an aggravating factor that the crime was committed at night, a circumstance that can increase the severity of sentences in Cuba.
In Havana, on September 22, the Provincial Court sentenced a man to 15 years in prison for selling cocaine and synthetic drugs.
In Matanzas, another young man awaits sentencing after confessing to having bought and resold narcotics, despite having no prior criminal record, with the Prosecutor's Office seeking seven years in prison.
All of these processes are part of a national campaign for zero tolerance against drug trafficking, a judicial offensive aimed at demonstrating a strong stance against the phenomenon of drug use and trafficking, especially synthetic cannabinoids, commonly referred to as "chemical" or "paper."
Also in the context of the Exercise, it was reported the day before that the Provincial Popular Court of Mayabeque , after he broke into a home in the municipality of Güines, where he threatened a father and his son with a machete.
At the start of the IV National Exercise for Crime Prevention and Combat, the leader Miguel Díaz-Canel urged to strengthen "citizen tranquility" and "internal order."
In this regard, authorities conducted operations against vendors on 13th Street, 8th Street, and the surroundings of Las Baleares, in Holguín, where agents and officials were deployed to impose fines and seize goods from informal vendors.
At the same time, the regime intensified its response to the recent protests with mass arrests and harsh sentences.
In Gibara, Holguín province, at least 27 people were detained following citizen demonstrations, while in Bayamo, 15 protesters who participated in the demonstrations on March 17, 2024 were sentenced to prison terms ranging from three to nine years.
The Cuban citizenry has expressed its growing concern over the increase in crime in various areas of the country, particularly violent robberies, assaults, and thefts in broad daylight.
Frequently Asked Questions about Drug Trafficking Sentences in Cuba
Why was a citizen from Las Tunas sentenced to 15 years?
The citizen was sentenced to 15 years in prison for marijuana trafficking after being found guilty in a trial conducted by the Provincial Court of Las Tunas. Evidence was found, including three packages of plant material, matching scent traces, and confirmation of marijuana in his urine.
What additional measures were applied to the sentenced individual from Las Tunas?
In addition to the prison sentence, accessory sanctions were imposed such as the confiscation of the seized money and the prohibition of leaving the country while serving the sentence. These measures are part of Cuba's "Zero Tolerance" policy towards drugs.
What is the National Exercise for Crime Prevention and Response in Cuba?
It is a national campaign organized by the Cuban government to prevent and combat crime, corruption, and social indiscipline. During this effort, trials and police operations are conducted to strengthen security and "citizen tranquility."
How does the "Zero Tolerance" policy on drugs affect Cuba?
The "Zero Tolerance" policy in Cuba entails severe penalties and exemplary trials for those who commit drug-related offenses. This strategy aims to send a dissuasive message, although it has been criticized for its harshness and for using the courts as tools of social control.
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