A young Cuban man was taken into custody at José Martí International Airport after authorities discovered over a kilogram of cocaine concealed inside a religious figurine depicting Eleguá, a prominent deity in Afro-Cuban mythology. The incident came to public attention through the TV show "¡Alto! Frontera," which filmed several episodes in Cuba, highlighting law enforcement activities at key locations across the country.
The episode, available on YouTube, began like any other day at Cuba's busiest airport until attention was drawn to a passenger arriving on a direct flight from Suriname—a route generally perceived as low-risk by authorities. However, this particular day proved different. Upon scanning the man's luggage with X-rays, customs officers identified an oddly shaped, carefully wrapped object. What seemed to be a harmless package turned out to be a religious statue: a figure of Eleguá, associated with pathways and choices in Afro-Cuban syncretism.
The traveler claimed the statue belonged to a friend who asked him to deliver it to her brother in Havana. He insisted he initially refused, but the woman allegedly placed it in his luggage without his knowledge. Nevertheless, his story failed to convince the authorities. One officer questioned, "If her brother is here, why does she have the Eleguá?" highlighting inconsistencies in his account.
Suspecting the figure contained illicit substances, officials drilled into it. The anti-drug team extracted and tested a sample of the powder found inside, confirming it was cocaine hydrochloride. In total, the Eleguá concealed over a kilogram of the drug.
"This is an unusual method. It's not the typical false bottom in a suitcase or backpack. It's another example of criminal ingenuity trying to bypass controls," commented an anti-drug agent. Another officer added, "They think we won't handle religious symbols out of respect, but national security takes precedence. We have the means to uncover any concealment attempts."
The young man was promptly arrested and now faces severe drug trafficking charges. Under Cuban law, a conviction could lead to a prison sentence of up to 15 years. The case has sparked discussions on the use of religious items in smuggling operations and the tightening of border security in Cuba amid the international drug trade's pressure on unexpected Caribbean routes.
Questions on Drug Trafficking and Border Security in Cuba
What are the potential consequences for drug trafficking in Cuba?
In Cuba, drug trafficking is a serious offense that can lead to severe penalties, including a prison sentence of up to 15 years if convicted.
How do authorities in Cuba detect smuggling attempts at airports?
Cuban authorities use various methods, including X-ray scanning of luggage, to detect irregular objects and potential smuggling attempts at airports.
Why are religious items used in drug smuggling?
Smugglers may use religious items in an attempt to exploit respect for cultural symbols, believing authorities might avoid tampering with them. However, security measures prioritize national safety over such considerations.