Human Head Found in Santiago de Cuba Trash: Authorities Launch Investigation

Cuban authorities have initiated an investigation into a disturbing incident in Santiago de Cuba, following the discovery of a human head in a garbage container located in the Micro 3 area of the Abel Santamaría Urban Center. The report was initially shared on Tuesday by the state-run Héroes del Moncada page, which described the situation as "serious" and noted that the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) forces are actively involved at the scene.

"We have learned that MININT forces are currently investigating a serious incident after the discovery of a man's head in a garbage collector," stated the publication on its Facebook page, without providing further information about the victim or the circumstances surrounding the event. The regime's spokesperson indicated that additional details might be released soon.

Prior to this, Yosmany Mayeta Labrada, a journalist from Santiago, had reported on social media about a significant police presence in the Reparto Salao', Micro 3 area of Santiago de Cuba. This was corroborated by numerous comments from internet users on social networks. Irlys González mentioned that the head was found in a container near the Chopin and the gas point, while Claudia Hechavarría noted its proximity to the MLC store in Micro 3.

Meanwhile, Yucnisleidys Melanys Argüelles Ortiz highlighted that a local resident has been missing for five days, heightening the community's fears. "I just passed by there, and they say they found a man's head in a trash container. My God, how long will this continue?" wrote YohaMaría BJ. Similarly, Ania Pelinegra commented: "They found a man's head…," implying that the victim could be male.

Previously, the discovery of human remains in public spaces has alarmed Cubans. For instance, in 2024, multiple social media posts reported human remains floating in the waters off the Malecón in Havana. One internet user shared a video on Facebook showing a large crowd gathered at the scene, accompanied by fire trucks, ambulances, and police vehicles managing the situation.

Earlier the same year, another case emerged outside of Placetas, where black bags filled with human bones and what appeared to be a charred skull were found in a rural area. Witnesses described the scene as harrowing, prompting authorities to launch an investigation to trace the origin of the remains.

More recently, residents of Las Tunas raised concerns about human skulls scattered on the street, right beside the local cemetery. Images shared on social media showed the remains in full view of passersby, without any protection, which further fueled outrage and complaints about the neglected state of cemeteries.