The Cuban Customs Authority successfully thwarted an attempt to smuggle over 4,500 counterfeit cigars at Havana's international airport. Wiliam Pérez González, the institution's first deputy chief, announced on X that the cigars, disguised in boxes and labels of well-known brands, were found with two passengers intending to smuggle them out of the country.
Upon determining the goods were fake, the matter was reported to the police, and further investigation is underway. Pérez shared images of the seized cigars, along with dozens of cigar bands ready to be affixed, highlighting the scale of the operation.
This incident comes less than a month after a similar occurrence at the same airport, where customs intercepted another smuggling attempt involving 4,400 undeclared cigars. Pérez noted on X that the smuggled items were detected as they attempted to bypass customs control, although he did not specify the number of individuals involved in this earlier incident.
The official did not clarify in his brief statement whether these cigars were genuine, though it's likely they were counterfeit products, which still find a lucrative market outside of Cuba. According to Pérez, the illegal trade in these goods results in significant profits, prompting a report to the National Revolutionary Police (PNR).
Understanding the Recent Cigar Smuggling Incidents in Cuba
How many counterfeit cigars were seized at Havana's airport?
Over 4,500 counterfeit cigars were seized by Cuban Customs at Havana's international airport.
What actions were taken following the discovery of the counterfeit cigars?
The discovery led to a report to the police, and an investigation is ongoing to address the smuggling attempt.
Were the seized cigars intended for export or domestic sale?
The counterfeit cigars were intended to be smuggled out of Cuba by two passengers at the airport.