A Cuban woman named Rolaisy Velázquez recently reported a shocking loss of 168,000 pesos after purchasing what she believed were sealed cigarette boxes from La Cuevita, a well-known market in San Miguel del Padrón, Havana. Upon opening the boxes, she found them empty, filled with cotton to mimic their weight.
Velázquez took to Facebook to share her unfortunate experience, explaining that the transaction took place three days prior. She admitted to the mistake of not checking the goods at the time of purchase.
"Three days ago, I was at the La Cuevita fair and got swindled out of 168,000 pesos on cigarettes that turned out to be empty boxes filled with cotton," she shared.
She added, "Maybe you're wondering why I didn't check. It's true, but sometimes we assume everyone is honest in business, and that's where we go wrong."
Although Velázquez is not a smoker herself, she intended to resell the "Popular" brand cigarettes to support her family financially. "I am a woman who fights every day to provide for my daughters, battling for every peso," she expressed.
After losing a sum that represents several months' wages for many Cuban workers—the minimum salary on the island being 3,210 pesos—she issued a warning to others visiting the popular Havana market: "I just ask that when you're there, don't trust too easily because there are more swindlers than honest people."
Recurring Scams at La Cuevita
The incident sparked numerous comments from others claiming to have faced similar scams at La Cuevita. A user named Ávila Fernández reported losing 22,500 pesos on cigarette wheels filled with scraps and cotton. Another account mentioned buying cigarettes packed with banana leaves months before.
Other reports included missing packages in detergent sacks, adulterated oil, shampoo replaced with soap, and hygiene packs with fewer items than advertised. A vendor from La Cuevita even acknowledged in the comments, "There are many people who are shameless," and highlighted the challenge of tracking down those responsible: "You see them here today, gone tomorrow."
Some users criticized the lack of oversight by authorities on these irregularities. One user directly accused inspectors and police of being aware of the scams and failing to act.
A History of Fraud at La Cuevita
This is not the first time buyers have reported fraud at La Cuevita. Back in August 2025, there were cases of H. Upmann cigarette cartons allegedly filled with sawdust, and adulterated toothpaste tubes were also reported. Years earlier, a Cuban woman claimed she bought what was supposed to be oil, which turned out to be a mixture of water and vinegar.
The scarcity of cigarettes has turned them into a highly profitable item in the informal market. Production issues due to a lack of raw materials and currency have driven prices up, with packs selling for between 450 and 1,000 pesos.
For Velázquez, however, the impact was more than just financial. The 168,000 pesos she lost were crucial for her livelihood and the support of her children.
"La Cuevita has become the top spot for scams and thefts; whether you're buying oil, coffee, or countless other items, everything is adulterated," summarized another user among the many reactions the incident received.
Understanding the Risks of Buying in La Cuevita
What should buyers be cautious about when shopping at La Cuevita?
Buyers should be wary of purchasing items without thoroughly inspecting them, as there have been frequent reports of scams involving adulterated or misrepresented goods.
How can one avoid being scammed in informal markets like La Cuevita?
To avoid scams, it's crucial to inspect all purchased goods on-site, be skeptical of unusually low prices, and stay informed about common fraudulent practices in the area.
Why are cigarettes so expensive in the informal market in Cuba?
Cigarettes have become expensive due to production issues and shortages of raw materials, making them a lucrative commodity in the black market.