Authorities have detained a cattle ranch manager and his brother after they were accused of illegally slaughtering two horses from the El Corojal livestock unit located in Rafael Freyre, Holguín province. The arrests took place recently when police conducted a search of their homes and discovered beef. Additionally, they found a makeshift "graveyard" near the ranch where the remains of illegally slaughtered horses and cattle were hidden, as reported by the pro-government Facebook page El Cubano Fiel, associated with the Ministry of the Interior.
Locals confirmed that the arrest was linked to the discovery of these remains, effectively ending the illicit activities that were taking place both inside and outside the state-run facility, according to the source. This incident highlights the ongoing deterioration within Cuba's agricultural system, where workers tasked with production become involved in crimes against the properties they are supposed to protect.
In a separate incident, a group of ten masked and armed men on horseback raided a cooperative in Limoncito, Cacocum municipality, making off with nearly 60 head of cattle. This event, reminiscent of a Wild West scenario, occurred at the Basic Unit of Cooperative Production (UBPC) in the area and involved the temporary abduction of several employees and guards, who were released miles away. The attackers, including a fugitive from justice, acted with complete disregard for the law, instilling fear among local residents concerned for their safety and property.
In an unusual twist, a man in Báguanos, Holguín, kidnapped two cattle not to sell their meat, as is common in Cuba, but to demand a ransom of 60,000 pesos from the owner. Police thwarted this scheme in May. Meanwhile, in April, a series of thefts in rural communities in Mayarí was curtailed after a police operation caught the culprits with over 400 pounds of stolen meat, several live cows, horses, and equipment used for cattle smuggling.
The rise in cattle theft and slaughter in Cuba is alarming, leaving property owners desperate. The growing number of butchers in rural areas keeps farmers awake at night, watching over their animals and fearing they might fall prey to thieves themselves. The surge in crime across Cuba is closely tied to the economic crisis, where a lack of resources and ineffective authorities have compromised public safety, leading to an increase in thefts and minor crimes impacting citizens directly.
Key Issues Surrounding Crime in Cuba's Agriculture Sector
What led to the arrest of the cattle ranch manager and his brother in Holguín?
The arrest was prompted by the discovery of illegally slaughtered horse remains and beef in their homes, revealing their involvement in illicit activities at the El Corojal livestock unit.
How has crime affected agricultural communities in Cuba?
Crime has severely impacted agricultural communities, with increasing cattle thefts and slaughters leaving farmers on edge and compromising their livelihoods.
What unusual method was used in a cattle-related crime in Báguanos?
In an unusual case, a man kidnapped two cattle to demand a ransom from their owner, rather than selling their meat, a plan that was thwarted by police.