A 21-year-old man has been sentenced to three years of imprisonment in Sancti Spíritus for the illegal possession of a Colt .45 revolver, which authorities claim he found months prior but chose to keep.
The ruling was issued by the Municipal Popular Court of Sancti Spíritus as part of case number 37 of 2026, according to a report from Radio Sancti Spíritus.
During the public hearing, it was revealed that the young man had the firearm inside a backpack while near Olivos 3 bakery, located in the main municipality.
Evidence presented indicated that the accused discovered the revolver in February of this year by the banks of a bridge over the Yayabo River, on the road to Trinidad, commonly referred to as Circunvalante, yet he failed to surrender it to the authorities.
Later, upon receiving information about the young man's presence in the area, officials conducted a search and found the Colt .45 revolver inside his backpack.
The discovery was supported during the process with documentary, expert, and testimonial evidence, as reported by the state-run media outlet.
The court found the defendant criminally responsible for the unlawful possession and carrying of firearms, sentencing him to three years of temporary imprisonment.
The ruling also included additional penalties such as the deprivation of rights, a travel ban, and the confiscation of the revolver.
This case aligns with the Cuban Penal Code's stipulations regarding the unauthorized possession of firearms.
Article 276 mandates prison terms ranging from two to five years for those who, without legal authorization, acquire, carry, or possess a firearm, its parts, or components.
Cuban law strictly regulates the carrying, use, transportation, storage, and discovery of weapons and ammunition. Decree-Law 262 provides the general framework for control and outlines specific obligations when an individual finds a weapon.
Recent legal proceedings indicate that illegal possession and carrying of weapons continue to be prosecuted in Cuba.
In March 2026, a Cuban was sentenced to life imprisonment in Camagüey for multiple offenses, including terrorism and illegal possession of weapons or explosives, as reported by the Ministry of the Interior.
The Cuban Prosecutor's Office also reminded the public in February, in connection with another criminal case, that the illegal introduction of weapons and ammunition, as well as illegal possession and carrying, can result in significantly harsher penalties when combined with other serious offenses.
Legal Implications of Illegal Firearm Possession in Cuba
What penalties are outlined in Cuban law for illegal firearm possession?
Cuban Penal Code Article 276 prescribes prison sentences ranging from two to five years for unauthorized acquisition, carrying, or possession of firearms, their parts, or components.
How does Decree-Law 262 regulate firearms in Cuba?
Decree-Law 262 establishes the general framework for the control of weapons and ammunition in Cuba, including specific obligations for individuals who find firearms.