Related videos:
Cuban customs authorities discovered methamphetamine hidden in microwave popcorn packages at the José Martí International Airport in Havana, during the most recent drug operation reported in the capital of the island.
Wiliam Pérez González, First Deputy of the General Customs of the Republic, reported the discovery through his account on X, where he posted images of the seizure.
"New detection of methamphetamine at Havana Airport; the drug was attempted to be smuggled hidden in several packages of popcorn in luggage," wrote the official.
The photographs show three kraft paper bags of microwave popcorn with instructions in Spanish and English, one of which is open with a crystalline white substance inside.
A detection dog with a black harness appears in the images inspecting the trays with the seized packages in the customs control area, while a colorimetric chemical test plate confirmed the presence of methamphetamine.
The operation was carried out in coordination between the Customs and the Specialized Antidrug Enforcement Body at the border, whose "professionalism and integration" was highlighted by Pérez González in his post.
This case represents at least the seventh drug operation intercepted at Havana's airport so far in 2026, following a pattern of concealment within everyday food items that has intensified in recent months.
On April 20, authorities detected methamphetamine hidden in a package of rice from the brand Verde Valle at the same airport.
The next day, on April 21, 19 sheets soaked with synthetic cannabinoids hidden in cereals sent from the United States were confiscated, preventing the circulation of 22,800 doses of a substance that is 50 to 100 times more potent than marijuana.
In January 2026, the authorities had already seized marijuana hidden in cereal boxes and instant drinks at the same airport.
On May 3rd, just five days before the discovery of the popcorn, 48 capsules of narcotics were detected inside the body of a passenger at Havana airport.
The pattern of hiding drugs in well-known food brands suggests a deliberate strategy to exploit the seemingly harmless nature of mass consumer products.
On April 22 new customs decree-laws came into effect in Cuba that tighten border controls, in a context where between 2024 and December 2025, 72 drug trafficking operations from 11 countries were thwarted.
Filed under: