Cuban authorities have seized cocaine concealed in two packets of powdered soy beverage that arrived from overseas at the cargo terminal of Havana's International Airport.
This discovery was announced on Wednesday by Wiliam Pérez González, the Deputy Chief of Cuba's General Customs, who shared images of the operation. He highlighted the joint efforts of the Cuban Customs and the country's anti-drug agency.
"COCAINE detected hidden in two packets of milk in a shipment sent from abroad through the cargo terminal of Havana Airport," he emphasized.
The narcotics were cleverly hidden inside two Nutra brand packages, marketed as "Powdered Soy Drink," a seemingly harmless product whose white powder could easily mask the illegal substance.
According to the official statement, the seizure resulted from the "systematic work" of customs and anti-drug agencies, along with the "timely and effective analysis of information and techniques applied," stressed the official.
The authorities did not disclose the exact quantity of cocaine confiscated or the country from which the package was shipped. No arrests have been reported in connection with the case, raising questions about the intended recipient and the network behind the smuggling attempt.
The method of hiding drugs in powdered food products—such as milk, flour, or supplements—is a known tactic in drug trafficking. The appearance and texture of these products make visual detection difficult and can deceive inspectors lacking specialized equipment.
This recent find comes less than a week after Cuban Customs seized cocaine concealed under the soles of a passenger's feet and inside a pair of sneakers at Havana's José Martí International Airport.
Photographs of that operation displayed black Nike Air Force-style sneakers with the insoles removed, two packages wrapped in black adhesive tape, and hands in green surgical gloves handling the evidence.
Additionally, less than two weeks ago, more than 10 kilograms of liquid cocaine disguised in shampoo, conditioner, and keratin bottles were confiscated at the same airport. The seized items included one-liter bottles of "Blow & Bliss" Keratin line and "Coco," which contained the liquid drug.
Questions about Cocaine Seizures at Havana Airport
How was the cocaine hidden in the recent seizure at Havana Airport?
The cocaine was hidden in two packets of powdered soy drink, which made it easier to disguise the illicit substance due to its white powder appearance.
Have there been any arrests related to the cocaine seizure?
No arrests have been reported in connection with this case, leaving questions about the intended recipient and the network behind the smuggling attempt.
What is a common method of smuggling drugs at airports?
One common method involves hiding drugs in powdered food products like milk or flour, as their appearance and texture can make them difficult to detect visually.