A 24-year-old man has been sentenced to eight years behind bars in Santiago de Cuba for his involvement in drug trafficking. According to a report from Tele Turquino, the accused was engaged in the sale of marijuana and cocaine. The trial, which aimed to set an example, resulted in his conviction.
On September 12, 2024, officials from the National Anti-Drug Directorate conducted a search at his residence located on Estrella Street No. 99, between E Street and 11th Street, in the Jiménez neighborhood of Santiago de Cuba. During the search, authorities seized six packages of marijuana weighing a total of 10.94 grams, a glass plate, four razor blade fragments containing traces of cocaine, and six small stones shaped like crack with a net weight of 1.26 grams.
The report explained that the young man was combining the marijuana with vegetable matter to create cigarettes and using the cocaine to produce crack stones. In a related case, a 64-year-old Venezuelan woman was also sentenced in Santiago de Cuba for drug trafficking following a recent oral trial at the provincial court.
This information was disclosed by the Provincial Prosecutor's Office of Santiago de Cuba on their Facebook page, emphasizing the exemplary nature of the judicial proceedings and the penal system's commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against drug trafficking.
Stricter Penalties Imposed
The Supreme People's Court of Cuba issued a stern warning this week regarding the rise in consumption and trafficking of synthetic drugs on the island, particularly in Havana. In response, they approved a legal ruling to impose harsher penalties on individuals found in possession or distribution of these highly toxic substances.
The Supreme Court clarified that it is no longer necessary for an accused person to possess a pound (460 grams) of drugs to be prosecuted under the "relatively large quantities" provision of the Penal Code. For synthetic cannabinoids, it will suffice to demonstrate through toxicology and forensic examinations that the substance is highly toxic, the number of doses derivable from the confiscated material, and the potential harm to public health.
In cases of illegal possession, the offense will be classified under Article 236, subsection a), with penalties ranging from one to three years in prison or fines of up to a thousand quotas, similar to those for substances as potent as cocaine.
Frequently Asked Questions on Drug Trafficking in Cuba
What was the young man from Santiago de Cuba accused of?
He was accused of trafficking marijuana and cocaine, and was sentenced to eight years in prison.
How is the Cuban government responding to the increase in synthetic drug trafficking?
The Cuban government is imposing stricter penalties for possession and distribution of synthetic drugs, with a focus on reducing public health risks.