Cuban authorities have uncovered an illegal marijuana plantation with over 1,200 plants in the municipality of Bayamo, located in Granma province. This marks one of the most significant recent cases of clandestine drug cultivation on the island. The information was shared on Facebook by the official profile "Héroes de Azul en Cuba," affiliated with the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), which identified the individual responsible as a citizen named Lázaro, residing in the Molino Rojo Popular Council.
The report specified that the suspect had 1,257 marijuana plants growing on his property. "The would-be farmer had a lovely plantation... it wasn't cassava, corn, bananas, or squash he was growing, but rather pain and despair for many families," stated the official post, using an ironic tone to highlight the illicit nature of the activity.
This case was dismantled thanks to the combined efforts of the National Revolutionary Police and the local community, as detailed in the publication. It was noted that the accused is expected to face a lengthy sentence and "the people's scorn."
In Cuba, the cultivation, possession, or trafficking of marijuana is met with severe penalties under current legislation. Authorities often publicize such operations as part of their strategy to control and promote anti-drug propaganda.
As of now, further details regarding the legal proceedings or the total weight of the seized drugs have not been disclosed. However, the number of plants discovered makes this one of the most significant anti-narcotic operations in the country this year.
In a related incident, Cuban police recently apprehended the owner of a farm in Campo Florido, located in the Habana del Este municipality, after discovering a small marijuana cultivation site and other items linked to suspected drug trafficking. As reported by the official Facebook profile Javier Gutiérrez, associated with MININT, the operation took place on a farm known as La Lima, where agents found 16 marijuana plants, a jar containing seeds, and an unspecified amount of cash.
In March, MININT authorities in the Tercer Frente municipality of Santiago de Cuba detained a citizen involved in cultivating and tending to a marijuana plantation. The official Facebook profile "Héroes del Moncada" reported that the individual had approximately 200 marijuana plants and over 2,000 seeds.
In December, a young man named Luis Armando Torres Zans, from El Guirito, Gibara, was arrested by authorities after it was discovered that he was cultivating several marijuana plants at his residence. According to acquaintances from his adolescence, Torres is reportedly drawn to easy money and seldom considers the consequences of his actions, as noted by the official Facebook profile “Cazador-Cazado.”
Understanding Cuba's Anti-Drug Operations
What penalties does Cuba impose for marijuana cultivation?
Cuba imposes severe penalties for marijuana cultivation, possession, or trafficking under its current laws, often resulting in lengthy prison sentences.
How are drug operations publicized by Cuban authorities?
Cuban authorities often publicize drug operations as part of their strategy to control drug use and promote anti-drug propaganda.
Who reported the Bayamo marijuana plantation discovery?
The discovery of the Bayamo marijuana plantation was reported on Facebook by the official profile "Héroes de Azul en Cuba," linked to the Ministry of the Interior (MININT).