Cuban officials have announced the discovery of a fresh attempt at international drug smuggling at José Martí International Airport, where marijuana was cleverly concealed within food products.
The General Customs of the Republic of Cuba revealed that the illegal shipment was stashed among boxes of cereal and other food items, as stated on social media by Wiliam Pérez González, the institution's first deputy chief.
In a post on X, Pérez González elaborated that the detection of this illicit cargo was the outcome of collaborative efforts between the Customs department and the Ministry of Interior's Anti-Drug Unit.
“The marijuana was hidden within cereal and food packets. Our greatest strength lies in the collaboration between Cuban Customs and the Anti-Drug Unit, alongside our rigorous training and dedication to this fight,” he noted.
The discovery was also confirmed by the institution on its official Facebook page, describing it as part of their ongoing preventive measures and fight against drug trafficking at international entry points.
While the authorities have not provided specific details regarding the origin or intended destination of the drugs, nor disclosed any arrests, the official statement indicated that it was an operation of international trafficking.
Among the images released, products such as Zuko instant drinks and pancake mix, both sold in Mexico, were identified, suggesting the items may have arrived in Cuba via a flight from that country.
Moreover, one of the images showed a luggage tag with the initial letters of "Mexico," reinforcing the suspicion that the involved individuals traveled from there.
Havana airport, serving as the main gateway into Cuba, has frequently been the site of similar drug seizures in recent years.
This recent operation comes amid a backdrop of economic turmoil and weakened institutional controls, factors that have led to a rise in smuggling and illegal markets.
The detection follows shortly after the regime reported another drug trafficking operation intercepted by Cuban Customs on a flight originating from Panama, which landed in Havana.
In that incident, authorities discovered nearly 1 kilogram of cocaine concealed and mixed within cream bottles, along with other items such as coffee and food products.
Insights Into Recent Drug Seizures at Havana Airport
How was the marijuana discovered at Havana Airport?
The marijuana was discovered hidden inside packages of cereal and other food items, thanks to a joint effort by the Cuban Customs and the Ministry of Interior's Anti-Drug Unit.
What products were identified in the recent drug seizure?
Products such as Zuko instant drinks and pancake mix, which are sold in Mexico, were identified in the seizure, hinting at a Mexican origin for the shipment.
What challenges are faced by Cuban authorities in combating drug trafficking?
Cuban authorities face challenges such as economic crisis and weakened institutional controls, which have led to increased smuggling and illegal market activities.