A man with a criminal record for theft was apprehended in Unión de Reyes, Matanzas Province, following a police operation where authorities confiscated a .38 caliber handgun along with six bullets, as reported by the state media outlet TV Yumurí on Wednesday.
This incident is part of a series of operations conducted in May and June within the municipality, with outcomes presented by Major Yasiel Prado Valdés, a representative of the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) in Unión de Reyes.
The arrested individual had prior convictions for crimes involving forceful and violent theft, primarily operating in the Juan Gualberto Gómez area, which is under special surveillance due to a high concentration of criminal activities.
“Investigations revealed that this individual was involved in crimes against large livestock and threatened local farm owners,” stated Prado Valdés.
During the same operation, another person was arrested in connection with theft and illegal slaughter of livestock, a crime that the regime considers a priority due to its impact on the agricultural sector.
This issue has national implications: according to MININT data cited by official media, over 9,000 people were involved in major livestock-related crimes in 2024, and Cuba has lost more than 900,000 cattle since 2019.
The operations also helped solve a violent robbery in the same area: two residents attacked a person upon arriving at their home, inflicting knife wounds, including injuries to the neck, in an attempt to steal money.
Both attackers were identified, confessed to their involvement, and were detained within 24 hours of the incident.
In Cuba, illegal possession of a firearm like the one seized is punishable by three to eight years of imprisonment, according to the current Penal Code, especially for weapons unlicensed to individuals.
Matanzas holds the highest crime rate in the nation.
The Cuban Citizen Audit Observatory (OCAC) reported that Matanzas topped the national crime ranking in 2025 with 503 verified cases, surpassing Granma, Havana, and Santiago de Cuba.
Nationally, the OCAC documented 2,833 crimes in 2025, marking a 115% increase from 2024 and a 337% surge compared to 2023, with theft being the most common crime in 1,536 recorded cases.
Prado Valdés emphasized, "The coordinated efforts between law enforcement and community cooperation are crucial for continuing to combat criminal behavior and ensuring the protection of individuals and their property in the region."
Crime and Law Enforcement in Matanzas
What was the man arrested for in Unión de Reyes?
The man was arrested for possession of a .38 caliber handgun and six bullets, with a prior criminal record for theft.
What priority crimes were highlighted by the regime?
The regime has identified theft and illegal slaughter of livestock as priority crimes due to their impact on the agricultural sector.
How prevalent is crime in Matanzas?
Matanzas has the highest crime rate in Cuba, leading the national ranking with 503 verified cases in 2025.