Cuba's General Customs of the Republic thwarted an attempt to smuggle cocaine into the country using tuna cans and a suitcase's structure as concealment. Wiliam Pérez González, the first deputy chief of the institution, announced on Monday via X that the seizure occurred at Havana's José Martí International Airport and was made possible through the collaborative efforts of Cuban Customs and the Anti-Drug Agency. "The intention to introduce drugs using clever methods persists, but our Customs and Anti-Drug Agency remain the nation's shield," stated the official, without providing further details about the origin of the shipment or any arrests made in connection with the incident.
Images released showed an open can with the confiscated contents alongside nine others, although it was not confirmed if all the cans contained cocaine. Cuban authorities have repeatedly warned that the nation upholds a "zero tolerance" policy against drug trafficking, intensifying security at ports, airports, and borders to prevent the entry of illegal substances.
In an unusual separate incident, a passenger was apprehended with cocaine hidden inside an Eleguá figure, once again at Havana's main airport, highlighting the use of religious items as camouflage for drug trafficking. In another operation, drugs were found concealed in electric showers and water pumps, underscoring the wide array of tactics employed by drug smugglers to evade customs checks.
Heightened vigilance also led to the discovery of narcotics packages hidden on a man's body, an extremely risky tactic that continues to be used despite the health hazards and high likelihood of detection. In yet another case, authorities uncovered drugs stashed in gummies and cigarettes, showcasing yet another example of criminal ingenuity in attempts to smuggle illicit substances onto the island.
Understanding Cuba's Anti-Drug Efforts
What methods are being used to smuggle drugs into Cuba?
Smugglers are employing various methods including hiding cocaine in tuna cans, religious figures, electric showers, water pumps, gummies, and cigarettes to conceal drugs.
How do Cuban authorities prevent drug smuggling?
Cuban authorities enforce a strict "zero tolerance" policy against drug trafficking, enhancing surveillance at airports, ports, and borders to prevent the entry of illegal substances.
Have there been any recent drug smuggling arrests at Havana Airport?
Yes, there have been recent arrests, including a case where a passenger was found with cocaine hidden in an Eleguá figure at Havana's main airport.