Cuban authorities have unveiled a novel smuggling tactic involving the concealment of cocaine inside packages of wet wipes, marking a new strategy by drug traffickers to infiltrate the island. This incident was disclosed by Wiliam Pérez González, the First Deputy Chief of the General Customs of the Republic, on the social media platform X, where he announced the discovery at Havana's international airport.
Pérez González explained that the culprits attempted to disguise the true origin of the shipment by routing it through a third country, but the scheme was thwarted thanks to comprehensive border checks. “Cocaine hidden in wet wipes detected at Havana airport; they used a third country to mask the source and encountered a secure border in our fight against this scourge,” he stated, highlighting the collaborative efforts of Customs and anti-drug agencies.
While specifics regarding the quantity of drugs seized or the status of those involved were not disclosed, officials emphasized the critical role of border security and international cooperation in combating drug trafficking. Recent months have seen a number of official reports confirming the seizure of cocaine and marijuana at Cuba’s ports and airports, indicating that the island is being exploited as a transit route, with traffickers employing increasingly creative methods to smuggle illicit substances.
The Cuban government claims to uphold a "zero tolerance" policy towards drugs. However, independent organizations and experts caution that Cuba is not immune to becoming a drug trafficking corridor in the Caribbean, raising concerns about the potential rise in both smuggling attempts and domestic drug use.
Drug traffickers have become more resourceful in their efforts to smuggle cocaine and marijuana into Cuba, utilizing everything from hygiene products to food items and religious artifacts. Weeks earlier, authorities discovered cocaine hidden in tuna cans and, in separate operations, found attempts to smuggle drugs through electric showers and water pumps.
In a particularly striking case, a passenger tried to enter the island with a Eleguá doll stuffed with cocaine, illustrating the use of religious symbols as cover. Other attempts featured drug packets attached to a traveler’s body and narcotics concealed within gummies and cigarette packs. Notably, in early June, a woman was apprehended at Havana airport with cocaine disguised among her belongings.
Drug Smuggling Tactics in Cuba
How are drug traffickers smuggling drugs into Cuba?
Drug traffickers are using innovative methods to smuggle drugs into Cuba, including hiding cocaine in hygiene products, food items, and religious artifacts.
What measures are Cuban authorities taking to combat drug trafficking?
Cuban authorities are strengthening border security and collaborating internationally to prevent drug trafficking, employing thorough checks and detection methods at entry points like airports and ports.
Why is Cuba at risk of becoming a drug trafficking corridor?
Cuba's strategic location in the Caribbean makes it a potential corridor for drug trafficking, with traffickers using the island as a transit route to move substances to other regions.