Recently, the General Customs of the Republic of Cuba identified several attempts to smuggle marijuana into the country through unconventional methods, such as gummies, chocolates, and e-cigarettes. Wiliam Pérez González, deputy head of Customs, shared on social media that these incidents are part of an intensified crackdown on drug trafficking at the nation's entry points.
The official warned about the use of seemingly harmless products as a means to disguise illicit substances, especially in a region where such tactics have become increasingly common. This warning is not an isolated incident but part of a pattern observed during the third national anti-drug exercise conducted last March in the province of Holguín. During these operations, authorities discovered gummies and cigarettes containing narcotics.
Recent Developments in Drug Enforcement
According to reports from state-run media and the "Realidades desde Holguín" profile, the crackdown led to the arrest of 69 individuals, with 16 charged with drug trafficking, including several young people. Confiscated items included packets of marijuana, hashish, blotter paper, and controlled medications with effects similar to narcotics.
One particularly striking case involved an individual in Pueblo Nuevo attempting to hide drugs inside a baby's diaper. Other operations led to the seizure of blister packs of medications such as amitriptyline, trifluoperazine, and diphenhydramine, as well as e-cigarettes containing illegal substances.
New Tactics and Customs Preparedness
Yolanda Piñeiro Ramírez, the second-in-command at Holguín Customs, disclosed to the newspaper ¡Ahora! the discovery of gummies with narcotics, regulated medications, and cigarettes containing THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). This confirms a diversification in the methods of drug consumption and trafficking faced by the country.
Concurrently, inspections were conducted in pharmacies, agricultural centers, and coastal areas, alongside educational initiatives in schools to raise awareness, particularly among young people, about the dangers of drug trafficking. Authorities emphasize that these methods aim to deceive border controls and appeal to younger audiences, highlighting the urgent need for customs and police forces to enhance their readiness to tackle these emerging threats effectively.
The Holguín newspaper and the social media profile noted that Customs personnel and the Provincial Criminalistics Laboratory conducted canine training exercises to detect harmful substances in travelers and their belongings.
The regime has intensified its campaign against drug trafficking in Cuba, a phenomenon that has worsened and reached unprecedented levels in recent years, exacerbated by the deepening economic and social crisis in the country.
Cuban Drug Smuggling Tactics
How are drugs being smuggled into Cuba?
Drugs are being smuggled into Cuba through unconventional means, including gummies, chocolates, and e-cigarettes, to evade detection by customs authorities.
What measures are Cuban authorities taking to combat drug trafficking?
Cuban authorities are intensifying their efforts by conducting inspections at entry points, training customs and police forces, and raising public awareness through educational initiatives.
Why are these smuggling methods targeting younger audiences?
These smuggling methods are designed to appeal to younger audiences by using products that are attractive and familiar to them, such as candies and e-cigarettes.