Cuban customs seizes over 7,000 cigars at Havana airport

Customs thwart another illegal extraction at Havana Airport with the seizure of over 7,300 cigars and 64 undeclared boxes, reporting the case to the police

Cuban customs thwart illegal attempt to smuggle tobaccoPhoto © Collage X / Wiliam Pérez González

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The Cuban Customs seized more than 7,300 loose cigars and 64 boxes at Havana airport after detecting an attempt at illegal export without invoices or documents to verify their legal origin.

The information was published this Sunday on X by Wiliam Pérez González, the first deputy head of the General Customs of the Republic, who explained that the operation is part of the institutional campaign known as Secure Border.

The executive confirmed that the case was reported to the police for the appropriate investigation.

According to what was reported, the tobacco was intended to be transported without meeting the requirements established by Cuban export and control regulations.

Pérez did not specify whether the seizure took place over a period of time, nor did he provide details about the number of people involved.

The seizure is part of the actions that Customs is taking to combat tobacco smuggling, which is considered one of the main products at risk of illegal trafficking in the country.

The agency reiterated that controls will be maintained at ports and airports in order to detect these types of operations and take action against those who attempt to steal goods without authorization.

This new amount of confiscated cigars at Havana airport adds to other similar incidents reported in September. Notably, recently the Cuban Customs at José Martí International Airport in Havana.

A few days earlier, customs stopped the smuggling operation involving the staggering amount of over 4,400 loose cigars with bands that were set to leave the country undeclared through the same airport.

Frequently asked questions about tobacco smuggling in Cuba

How many cigars were seized by the Cuban Customs in the recent operation?

The Cuban Customs seized more than 7,300 loose cigars and 64 boxes at Havana airport. These products were detected as part of an attempt at illegal extraction without the required documents to verify their legal origin.

What measures is the Customs of Cuba taking to combat tobacco smuggling?

The Customs of Cuba has intensified its controls at ports and airports to detect and curb the illegal trafficking of tobacco, a product highly susceptible to smuggling in the country. The agency is currently running an institutional campaign called "Safe Border", aimed at preventing the unauthorized export of goods.

What other products have been the subject of smuggling and seizure by the Cuban Customs?

In addition to tobacco, the Customs of Cuba has seized cash, drugs, and controlled medications. They have found large sums of money hidden in luggage, as well as narcotics disguised in everyday products such as cans of tuna and electric showers.

What is the impact of tobacco smuggling and other products in Cuba?

The smuggling of tobacco and other products represents a significant threat to the Cuban economy, as the illegal trafficking of goods can lead to substantial revenue losses for the country, in addition to promoting illicit activities that impact social and economic stability.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.