A couple planning to travel to the United States was apprehended at Holguín International Airport after being caught with over 100 kilograms of meat from protected marine species. Among the seized items were hawksbill turtle, crab, and lobster meat.
Wiliam Pérez González, the first deputy chief of the General Customs of the Republic, announced on the social platform X that customs officials discovered 121 kilograms of this contraband during an inspection. This violated both national regulations and international agreements concerning the protection of marine wildlife.
The offenders faced the seizure of their goods, a fine, and were detained with a report filed to the Revolutionary National Police.
Trafficking in protected marine species is strictly prohibited under Cuban law and can result in severe criminal penalties, in line with the country's international environmental conservation commitments.
The entity confirmed on its Facebook page that removing these species from the national territory breaches both domestic regulations and international conventions.
Furthermore, it was noted that the appropriate legal and penal measures were enforced in this instance, as the travelers were handed over to the police authorities.
Separately, the Cuban Customs reported on Saturday that a drug trafficking attempt was detected on a flight arriving from Panama at Havana's airport.
During the inspection, approximately 1 kilogram of cocaine was discovered concealed and mixed within cream bottles, along with other items like coffee and foodstuffs, as reported by Pérez on social media.
Frequently Asked Questions About Marine Species Protection in Cuba
What are the penalties for trafficking protected marine species in Cuba?
Under Cuban law, trafficking protected marine species can lead to severe penalties, including fines, confiscation of goods, and criminal charges in accordance with international conservation agreements.
Which marine species are considered protected in Cuba?
Species such as hawksbill turtles, certain types of crabs, and lobsters are considered protected in Cuba, under both national laws and international agreements.