In a significant operation, Cuban law enforcement uncovered and dismantled a large-scale illegal marijuana plantation in the town of Manzanillo, located within the Granma province.
Authorities reported seizing over 40 mature marijuana plants alongside approximately 1,250 smaller ones. This amounts to nearly 1,300 plants intended for processing and street distribution throughout the province.
Details regarding arrests or the identities of those involved in the operation were not disclosed by officials.
The regime heralded the seizure as a "critical victory for the health and safety" of the area. However, this triumphant tone starkly contrasts with official data, which reveals the persistent challenge of effectively controlling clandestine marijuana cultivation within Cuba.
According to the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), 2025 witnessed 105 incidents of marijuana cultivation nationwide, resulting in the seizure of 49,018 plants and over 207,000 seeds. This is a notable increase compared to the 32,868 plants confiscated in 2021.
"In Manzanillo, impunity has no place. This massive plantation stands as undeniable evidence of a crime that will be met with the full force of the law," emphasized the state-controlled publication.
The Granma province has seen multiple similar incidents recently. In April 2025, authorities discovered an illegal grow operation with over 1,200 plants in Bayamo. Following that, in August of the same year, marijuana was seized in the Caymari area of Manzanillo, accompanied by the arrest of individuals transporting chemical drugs to the provincial capital.
The issue extends beyond Granma. Just a year ago, an illegal cultivation site was dismantled in Tercer Frente, Santiago de Cuba, which contained more than 400 plants. In June 2025, over 19,000 seeds and 950 plants were discovered in a residence in Sigua, also within Santiago de Cuba province.
Frequently Asked Questions on Marijuana Seizures in Cuba
What was discovered in the Manzanillo operation?
Authorities dismantled a large-scale illegal marijuana plantation, seizing over 40 mature plants and approximately 1,250 smaller ones.
How does the recent seizure compare to past incidents?
In 2025, there were 105 marijuana cultivation incidents nationwide with 49,018 plants and over 207,000 seeds seized, a significant increase from 32,868 plants in 2021.
Have there been other notable marijuana busts in Cuba recently?
Yes, similar operations have taken place in Granma and Santiago de Cuba provinces, including a recent bust in Bayamo and another in Tercer Frente with significant plant and seed seizures.