The Cuban regime announced on Thursday the dismantling of an international drug trafficking network, which they claim was operating from the United States with support from Cubans residing on the island.
This report was broadcast by the National Television News and hailed as a triumph of the authorities against synthetic drugs attempting to infiltrate the country.
According to official information, the operation prevented over a million doses of synthetic cannabinoids, commonly referred to as "químico" or "papelito," from reaching the population.
The drugs were smuggled through air shipments disguised in yogurt, jelly, dietary supplements, and medication containers, later to be processed with chemical precursors like acetone and distributed across various Havana municipalities, including San Miguel del Padrón, Regla, and Diez de Octubre.
Arnoldo Ramos, head of the Criminal Investigation Section, noted that among those involved is a Cuban resident in Florida, alongside three individuals on the island allegedly responsible for coordinating the import and internal distribution of the substances.
The operation led to the arrest of 24 individuals and the seizure of more than 11 million Cuban pesos, several vehicles, properties, and materials used in drug manipulation.
Authorities claimed that the seized money was intended to be sent abroad to fund further illicit operations, and stated that the Cuban government informed U.S. counterparts about the Florida-based individuals involved, yet received no response regarding cooperation or extradition requests.
Yoan Saporta, head of the anti-drug specialized unit, highlighted that syringes, gloves, masks, and other tools used in narcotic production were confiscated during the raids.
The televised report concluded by emphasizing Cuba's zero-tolerance policy against drug trafficking and reiterated that the nation is neither a transit point nor a storage site for drugs.
In recent days, the regime has ramped up its rhetoric on internal security and control, showcasing such operations as evidence of its effectiveness, aiming to bolster its international image and distance itself from any connection to regional drug trafficking.
The Cuban regime claims that the most prevalent synthetic drug on the island, known as "químico," originates from the United States and that over the past two years, more than 70 trafficking operations have been thwarted.
The Ministry of the Interior attributes the rise of these substances to the use of private messaging and cryptocurrency payments to circumvent customs controls.
In response to international criticisms, the government defended its "zero-tolerance" policy and denied any links to drug trafficking.
In a press conference, senior officials accused the United States of creating a military threat in the Caribbean and dismissed revelations by former Venezuelan general Hugo "El Pollo" Carvajal, who had implicated Cuba in the design of the Cártel de los Soles.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuba's Drug Trafficking Network Dismantling
What was the main claim made by the Cuban regime?
The Cuban regime claimed they dismantled an international drug trafficking network operating from the U.S. with assistance from Cubans on the island.
What was the scale of the operation according to the official report?
The operation reportedly prevented over a million doses of synthetic cannabinoids from reaching the Cuban population.
How did the drugs enter Cuba?
The drugs were smuggled via air shipments disguised in everyday product containers such as yogurt and medication.
What has been the Cuban government's response to international accusations?
The Cuban government denied any involvement in drug trafficking and defended its zero-tolerance policy while accusing the U.S. of escalating military threats in the region.