Cuban Customs has designated travelers arriving from the United States as "high risk." According to an official statement on their social media channels, the Customs authority cited their focus on combating major customs violations, including drug trafficking, subversive activities, and various forms of smuggling.
In 2023, cases of drug trafficking in Cuba doubled compared to 2022. Authorities reported detecting 55 drug trafficking cases at the country's airports. So far in 2024, Cuban Customs has seized 3.2 million Cuban pesos and $91,000 USD, far exceeding the 5,000 pesos allowed to be taken out of the island in either currency. A total of 135 violations have been recorded compared to 233 in all of 2022, when 5.3 million Cuban pesos and $420,000 USD were confiscated. This information was summarized by Cubadebate following a Mesa Redonda program on the subject.
"In 2023, there were 38 more cases than in 2022, and 50 kilograms of substances were seized at the border. This year, 17 cases have already been reported, and the first quarter isn't over yet, with nearly 99 kilos of drugs confiscated," said Nelson Cordovés Reyes, the national head of Customs.
The most commonly seized items include synthetic cannabis, chemical narcotics, and psychotropic medications, with 73,000 tablets confiscated so far this year.
Key Information on Cuban Customs and U.S. Travelers
This section addresses common questions and provides essential information regarding Cuban Customs' designation of U.S. travelers as "high risk."
Why has Cuban Customs designated U.S. travelers as "high risk"?
Cuban Customs has labeled U.S. travelers as "high risk" due to increased efforts to combat major customs violations such as drug trafficking, subversive activities, and various forms of smuggling.
How many drug trafficking cases were detected in 2023?
In 2023, Cuban authorities detected 55 cases of drug trafficking at the country's airports.
What has been the trend in drug seizures at Cuban borders?
Drug seizures have increased significantly, with nearly 99 kilos of drugs confiscated in the first quarter of 2024 alone, compared to 50 kilograms in 2023.
What kinds of drugs are most commonly seized by Cuban Customs?
The most commonly seized drugs include synthetic cannabis, chemical narcotics, and psychotropic medications, with 73,000 tablets confiscated so far this year.