On Friday, Cuban police apprehended two individuals suspected of stealing around fifty gas cylinders in Santiago de Cuba. Over 35 of these stolen cylinders have been recovered. The incident was first reported on Monday, September 23, by independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada on social media, who detailed that the theft occurred at the Micro 2 sales point in the Abel Santamaría neighborhood.
The official Facebook page 'Héroes del Moncada' confirmed the arrest of two suspects allegedly involved in the theft. "The perpetrators were detained with more than 35 gas cylinders in an apartment located in Micro 2 of the Abel Santamaría neighborhood," stated the page associated with the repressive forces of the Ministry of the Interior (MININT).
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities hoping to recover all the stolen gas cylinders, some of which have already been sold at exorbitant prices on the informal market. "When a crime directly affects the people, the National Revolutionary Police does not rest until it is resolved. All the neighbors witnessed the police arriving at the scene and [the suspects] being taken away," concluded 'Héroes del Moncada' in their post, mocking the alleged thieves, saying they "thought they were smart."
Mayeta Labrada noted that "police patrol cars and several motorcycles stopped near a building in the area where people allegedly connected to this theft live." Videos and photos sent to the independent journalist showed the police presence in the zone.
Previous Incidents and Ongoing Corruption
In mid-July, Mayeta Labrada reported another gas cylinder theft in Santiago de Cuba, sharing the defiant statements of the alleged perpetrator, who had been arrested and then released by authorities. "As many times as I need to steal, I will keep stealing. Johnson, who is a relative of mine, will get me out. I am Luis Vinent Zamora, alias Cajón," the purported thief declared, openly flaunting a supposed family connection with the Communist Party's first secretary in Santiago de Cuba, Beatriz Johnson Urrutia.
"I demand an investigation into the relationship between this man and the PCC Secretary to see what level of complicity she has with these actions that harm the common Cuban. A fine, a warning letter, or any other mild sanction cannot be a punishment for these individuals," added Mayeta Labrada.
Earlier in September, residents of Santiago de Cuba reported corruption in the sale of liquefied gas at official distribution points in the province. "Two hundred cylinders arrive, but only 50 are dispensed, and the rest are sold on the black market," stated affected neighbors from the El Cristo area of the city.
These allegations were brought forward by Mayeta Labrada, who asserted that the diversion of gas cylinders for supposed sale on the black market causes indignation, discomfort, and exacerbates the crisis faced by users who depend on this fuel for cooking during the worst energy crisis in Cuba's history.