Authorities in Sancti Spíritus have apprehended several individuals suspected of stealing over 50 sacks of skimmed powdered milk and other items from the warehouses of the Río Zaza Dairy Products Company. This information was shared by the government-linked Facebook page "Mi lealtad acrisolada," which is affiliated with the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) in the province.
The Unconventional Heist Method
According to the account shared by the government source, the suspects gained access to the warehouse by climbing through the roof and used a rope to lower themselves through a window to remove the goods.
Afterwards, the stolen items were transported to a private home, which served as a clandestine storage facility. From there, it's believed the goods were sold on the black market.
Law Enforcement's Response
The same source reported that police had been tracking the suspects prior to the arrests and managed to recover a significant portion of the stolen goods, which were then returned to Río Zaza's warehouses.
"Mi lealtad acrisolada" praised the capture of the suspects and the recovery of the products, issuing a stern warning: "Let no one be mistaken: those who take what belongs to the people will be held accountable."
The post did not specify the number of detainees, the exact date of the arrests, or the number of sacks recovered. Additionally, it did not provide details on the intended destination of the milk before the theft. The investigation, as noted by the source, remains ongoing.
Public Reaction and Outrage
The news sparked a strong response among Facebook users. While some comments condemned the theft, many focused on the fact that dozens of sacks of milk were stored in the company's warehouses, contrasting with the scarcity reported by Cuban families.
"Why was that milk stored there? If it's meant for the people, why haven't even newborns received any for a long time?" questioned one user, echoing a sentiment expressed in various forms by other commenters.
Others shifted their criticism towards potential irregularities within state institutions themselves, questioning why police actions seem to target only those physically removing the goods.
"So they caught the ones stealing through the roof; now they need to get those taking it out the front door," remarked another citizen, alluding to possible resource diversions within the entities.
Distrust towards control mechanisms also emerged in comments speculating about other actors' involvement, albeit without concrete evidence in this case.
"Sometimes I think they allow the thefts to justify what others have already stolen, then blame the weakest link for everything missing," another user speculated.
Struggle for Milk Supply
Complaints about the lack of milk for children were prominent in the conversation. One mother described her challenges in obtaining the product and the high prices of the informal market.
From Casilda, located in the municipality of Trinidad, another commenter reported a similar situation: "They're stealing milk from the sick and children because here in Casilda, the youngest haven't received their milk, powdered or liquid, for three months."
These testimonies highlight the frustration over product scarcity and the mistrust surrounding news of thefts and food storage.
The incident occurred within a company facing significant financial and production challenges. The Río Zaza Dairy Products Company has accumulated a debt exceeding 150 million pesos with private producers, which has led to the halt of much of the dairy production in Sancti Spíritus since late 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Sancti Spíritus Milk Theft
How did the thieves manage to steal the milk from the warehouse?
The perpetrators accessed the warehouse through the roof and used a rope to lower themselves through a window to extract the goods.
What actions have been taken by the authorities in response to the theft?
Authorities have arrested several suspects and recovered a significant portion of the stolen products, which were returned to the warehouse.
What has been the public reaction to the theft?
The public reaction on Facebook has been mixed, with some condemning the theft and others questioning the storage practices and distribution of milk amid widespread shortages.