A coordinated operation by Cuba's Ministry of the Interior (MININT) in Guantánamo province led to the arrest of a man found with hashish on a bus traveling between towns.
The incident occurred on a Yutong bus travelling from Baracoa to Guantánamo.
The man, a resident of Baracoa, was apprehended at the "El Bagá" Police Checkpoint in San Antonio del Sur municipality.
The arrest sparked a strong reaction on social media, with discussions on the effectiveness of legal measures, especially after it was revealed that the detainee was already serving a sentence for drug trafficking but was on temporary release from prison.
According to eyewitnesses, the drug, identified as hashish—a cannabis derivative—was discovered with the help of a drug-sniffing dog participating in the checkpoint.
Adding to the severity of the case is the suspect's criminal history.
Investigations by the officialist profile "Guantánamo and its Truth" confirmed that the individual is currently sanctioned for drug trafficking, meaning his latest arrest occurred during a period of prison leave.
This event is part of Cuba's official "Zero Tolerance against Drug Trafficking" campaign, promoted under the hashtag #AgainstDrugsWeWin.
The arrest and its subsequent dissemination through official channels aim to underscore the government's hardline stance against the issues of drug use and trafficking, particularly synthetic cannabinoids like "químico" or "papelillo."
The Guantánamo case is not isolated, joining a recent judicial offensive that has seen multiple exemplary sentences across the country.
The news generated extensive reactions on the original platform, where many users called for harsher penalties and the elimination of prison benefits for those involved in drug trafficking.
One of the most repeated criticisms was the objection to temporary releases, questioning why individuals convicted of serious crimes are allowed out of prison.
"And what is a trafficker doing with a leave from prison? They grant benefits to those who don't deserve them. Traffickers are covert murderers..." expressed one user, reflecting the sentiment of many commentators.
There was also a persistent demand for extremely severe measures, including life imprisonment.
Comments like "Don't let him out again! That one is beyond help!" and "Against that scourge, life imprisonment, it's that simple," illustrate the firm tone and the perception that these crimes should not receive any leniency.
Some users also called for not concealing the faces of detainees, arguing that public exposure could serve as a deterrent.
"Don't blur their faces, maybe they'll feel ashamed or at least embarrassed to see themselves published," commented one, showing a desire for greater transparency and visibility in these cases.
On the other hand, social and political critiques emerged, pointing out that while drug arrests are showcased, other scandals and crimes with greater economic impact remain uninvestigated.
"And the bigger criminals, when will they be exposed for the million-dollar embezzlements they commit...?" questioned one user. Others suggested that publicizing these cases might serve as a distraction from more severe issues, like the circulation of synthetic drugs: "They're doing this to divert attention from 'químico,' which is indeed a synthetic drug..."
Finally, although to a lesser extent, voices focusing on human rights and addiction issues also appeared.
Some reminded that certain prison regimes allow temporary leaves and that drug dependency should be recognized as a disease.
"He was on a leave because he's in a minimum-security setting and, as a citizen, he has rights... that poor guy is sick, he's an addict, God help him," expressed a commenter who chose a more compassionate perspective within the broad debate generated.
Key Questions on Drug Trafficking and Legal Measures in Cuba
What led to the arrest of the man in Guantánamo?
The man was arrested after hashish was discovered with the assistance of a drug-sniffing dog during a police checkpoint on a bus route from Baracoa to Guantánamo.
Why has the arrest caused such a strong reaction on social media?
The reaction is largely due to the fact that the individual was already serving a sentence for drug trafficking but was on temporary release, raising questions about the effectiveness of legal measures in Cuba.
How does this case fit into Cuba's broader campaign against drugs?
This arrest is part of Cuba’s "Zero Tolerance against Drug Trafficking" campaign, which aims to demonstrate the government's tough stance on drug use and trafficking in the country.