Following a recent analysis on the surge in drug consumption on the island, the regime has pointed fingers at Cubans residing abroad as the main culprits behind the issue.
During the official program Mesa Redonda, Colonel Juan Carlos Poey Guerra, head of the anti-drug division of the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), revealed that the study indicated that most of the drug-related problems stem from outside the country, leading to intensified operations.
He stated that there is a persistent effort by external communities to introduce narcotics into the national territory through air travel, using passengers, cargo, and postal shipments. They are combining traditional and novel methods to mask their operations, including the triangulation of routes.
Drug Trafficking Routes and Methods
Colonel Poey Guerra reported attempts from at least ten countries using both conventional and innovative techniques, as highlighted by Cubadebate. The Ministry of the Interior identified the United States as the primary source of these drugs, particularly synthetic cannabinoids in various forms, which increase addiction levels and health risks.
"This has been specifically observed in municipalities like La Lisa and Arroyo Naranjo, where actions have been taken to combat these types of drugs to prevent their circulation within the national territory," he noted.
The military report underscores a significant increase in the presence of drugs in the internal market, with a rise in cocaine incidents, contrasting with marijuana, which was previously the most seized substance.
This shift in consumption patterns is attributed to the activation of maritime routes near Cuba and the role of unscrupulous elements trying to smuggle drugs into the country through the coasts.
The report also emphasized the development of trafficking operations that combine the transport of people and drugs, posing a severe national security threat. The military's intervention has ramped up to address this issue, which endangers lives and the nation's stability.
Additionally, the MININT acknowledged the growing import of electronic cigarettes and confectionery products containing drugs, causing isolated cases of intoxication. The provinces most affected by illegal marijuana cultivation include Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Holguín, Las Tunas, Camagüey, Guantánamo, Ciego de Ávila, Havana, Matanzas, and the special municipality of Isla de la Juventud.
This is not the first time the regime has accused Cubans living abroad. In February 2022, they blamed them for organizing drug trafficking operations after registering an increase in drug landings in 2021.
The Ministry of the Interior reported 295 landing incidents last year, 142 more than in 2020, amounting to 2,338.64 kilograms of seized drugs, according to data published by the official newspaper Granma.
FAQs on Cuba's Drug Consumption and Trafficking Issues
To provide more insight into the current situation regarding drug consumption and trafficking in Cuba, we've compiled some frequently asked questions and their answers.
What are the primary sources of drugs entering Cuba?
The primary sources of drugs entering Cuba are external communities, particularly from the United States, as well as routes activated through maritime channels near Cuba.
Which municipalities in Cuba are most affected by drug consumption?
Municipalities such as La Lisa and Arroyo Naranjo have been significantly affected by drug consumption, leading to targeted actions to mitigate the issue.
How has the pattern of drug consumption changed in Cuba?
There has been a noticeable shift from marijuana to cocaine, attributed to new maritime routes and the efforts of individuals attempting to smuggle drugs into the country.
What measures are being taken to combat drug trafficking in Cuba?
The military and Ministry of the Interior have intensified operations to combat drug trafficking, focusing on air travel, cargo, postal shipments, and coastal routes.