The authorities in Santiago de Cuba conducted a police operation that resulted in the arrest of several individuals involved in an international drug trafficking scheme. According to Granma, the alleged criminal group was led by an organizer with strong ties to Jamaica. This individual was attempting to establish an operational base in the Guamá municipality for the distribution of cocaine and synthetic drugs.
During the operation, 300 pounds of marijuana, firearms, cash, mobile phones, and speedboats were seized, highlighting the level of organization and resources of the traffickers. Lieutenant Colonel Abraham Estonlle Río, head of the international drug trafficking department, indicated that the network had planned to introduce drugs into Cuba and establish a logistical support point for future operations.
While Cuban authorities celebrate the success of this operation, the case also underscores the vulnerability of the island's coasts and the persistence of criminal networks seeking to exploit these security gaps. The prosecution has requested sentences ranging from 20 to 30 years in prison for the accused. They emphasize that these penalties reflect the "zero-tolerance policy of the Cuban government towards drug trafficking."
Carlos Martín García, provincial prosecutor, reminded that the Cuban Penal Code includes sanctions ranging from long prison terms to the death penalty for crimes of this magnitude. "These measures are a clear message to any criminal organization that Cuba will not tolerate drug trafficking," García affirmed.
Other Recent Criminal Cases in Cuba
This week, Cuban television aired another report on the dismantling of a criminal network that used digital platforms to offer services related to fake migration procedures, subsequently robbing large sums of money from victims with violence. The robbery and human trafficking scheme was carried out by a group of five men and two women. Crimes involving violence face severe judicial sanctions of up to 30 years in prison. In this case, sentences ranged from 25 to 28 years for six of the implicated individuals, while one person received a five-year prison sentence.
Key Details on the Drug Trafficking Network in Santiago de Cuba
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about the recent crackdown on the international drug trafficking network in Santiago de Cuba.
Who led the criminal network in Santiago de Cuba?
The criminal network was allegedly led by an organizer with strong ties to Jamaica.
What was seized during the operation?
Authorities seized 300 pounds of marijuana, firearms, cash, mobile phones, and speedboats during the operation.
What penalties are the accused facing?
The prosecution has requested sentences ranging from 20 to 30 years in prison for the accused.
What does the Cuban Penal Code say about drug trafficking?
The Cuban Penal Code includes sanctions ranging from long prison terms to the death penalty for drug trafficking crimes.