In a startling discovery, Cuban Customs authorities uncovered 2 kilograms of cocaine hidden inside a speaker carried by a passenger at Havana's Airport, revealed by Wiliam Pérez González, the deputy head of Customs, on social media.
Pérez González emphasized that the operation's success was due to the "coordinated and effective" collaboration between Customs and the anti-drug agency, resulting in the apprehension of those involved.
The official report did not disclose the identities of the suspects or their intended destination for the shipment.
However, it confirmed that the case is under thorough investigation, as part of enhanced security measures at the country's entry points.
According to the released information, the narcotics were cleverly concealed within the audio equipment (the speaker), a tactic that exploits everyday items to smuggle illegal substances via air travel.
In recent months, Customs has noticed a rise in attempts to smuggle synthetic drugs through air transportation, employing "increasingly sophisticated" methods to bypass inspections.
There have been incidents involving drug concealment in hygiene products—such as a tube of body cream—and in objects like religious figurines, tuna cans, and gummy candies.
Simultaneously, Customs has ramped up scrutiny over suspicious currency movements, highlighted by a recent money-laundering case during an air inspection, suggesting a possible link between drug trafficking and the illegal flow of funds.
Even seemingly minor actions, like the detection of prohibited quantities of cigars, are investigated as potential covers for smuggling operations or disguising illicit substances.
Drug Smuggling and Customs Control in Cuba
How was the cocaine discovered at Havana's Airport?
Cuban Customs detected the cocaine concealed inside a speaker, thanks to the effective cooperation between Customs and the anti-drug agency.
What methods are drug traffickers using to smuggle drugs into Cuba?
Traffickers are using increasingly sophisticated means, such as hiding drugs in everyday items like speakers, hygiene products, and even religious figurines.
How is Cuban Customs responding to these smuggling attempts?
Cuban Customs has intensified its security measures and scrutiny of suspicious activities, particularly focusing on both drug smuggling and illegal currency movements.