Cuban authorities have apprehended two individuals transporting more than 20,000 cigars in a vehicle for illicit sale on the black market. This incident was highlighted on the Facebook page "Carretera En la Mira" and took place in the province of Granma, at a checkpoint as one exits Bayamo heading towards Santiago de Cuba.
The report specifies, "Police intercepted an excessive number of 20,600 cigars (824 bundles) being carried nonchalantly in six suitcases on a rented bus by two people." This operation is part of a new campaign led by Díaz-Canel against corruption, coinciding with social media scandals involving his stepson Manuel Anido and Sandro Castro, Fidel Castro's grandson.
The initiative is described as a National Exercise for the Prevention and Confrontation of Crime, Corruption, Illegal Activities, and Social Indiscipline. The stated purpose, according to the Cuban leader, is to "tackle negative trends existing in our society." Amid growing disrepute of the regime, many question whether senior officials in the country will also be scrutinized under these control measures.
In April, the Cuban government increased the price of cigarettes and cigars in the national network of rationed sales outlets, claiming that they are "not an essential consumption item for the population." It was decreed that domestically consumed cigars should cost 10 pesos each.
Last June, police dismantled an illegal tobacco factory known as "Chinchal de Tabaco" in the village of Báez, within the municipality of Placetas, Villa Clara. Several sacks of raw materials, molds, presses, and other necessary tools for cigar production were seized. Additionally, authorities discovered "beef from cattle theft and slaughter of livestock belonging to farmers residing in Báez," as reported by the official Facebook page "Fuerza del Pueblo."
Understanding the Crackdown on Illegal Tobacco in Cuba
What was the recent operation in Granma about?
The operation in Granma involved the arrest of two individuals transporting over 20,000 cigars meant for the black market, as part of a crackdown on illegal activities by the Cuban government.
Why did the Cuban government increase the price of cigars?
The Cuban government raised cigar prices, arguing that cigars are not a basic necessity for the population, thus justifying higher costs in rationed sales outlets.
What was found at the illegal factory in Báez?
At the illegal factory in Báez, authorities discovered various materials and equipment for cigar production, as well as beef from stolen and slaughtered cattle.