Police Seize 168 Cases of Legendario Rum in Havana Home

In a recent operation, Cuban police confiscated 168 cases of Legendario rum from a private residence in Havana, specifically in the San Miguel del Padrón municipality. These cases originated from the Ronera Occidental, a facility under the Havana Beverage and Soft Drink Company. The intention was to sell this large quantity on the black market.

The state-controlled media in Cuba reported that those allegedly involved in this resource diversion executed a strategic plan to carry out the crime without raising suspicion. They declared a loss rate in production at the warehouse that exceeded the company's established limits.

Details such as the names or the number of individuals involved in this criminal activity have not been disclosed. However, Cuban authorities have stated that the culprits have been fined, dismissed from their workplace, and are currently under police investigation.

In response to this incident, the company has pledged to strengthen its control systems, which now include surprise inspections of inventory, raw materials, and supplies.

A Cuban television broadcast about the case revealed that the company uses plastic bottles, similar to those for oil, for the "cheap rum" sold domestically, which is not exported. This practice has been a source of frustration for Cubans, with complaints dating back to 2022. Despite this, the government continues to reserve glass bottles for higher-quality rum.

The discovery of these Legendario rum cases occurred during the national Exercise for the Prevention and Confrontation of Crime, Corruption, Illegal Activities, and Social Indiscipline, conducted by the government from December 2 to 7. This initiative is part of Miguel Díaz-Canel's ongoing campaign against corruption, coinciding with a crisis period in the country amid social media scandals involving his stepson Manuel Anido and Sandro, Fidel Castro's grandson.