Young Man in Havana Sentenced to 15 Years for Hashish Trafficking

A 22-year-old Cuban man has been handed a 15-year prison sentence by the Havana Provincial Court for trafficking hashish and other drugs. The accused, whose identity was concealed from the media, was apprehended on the street by police officers who seized 24 packages of synthetic cannabinoids. These are lab-manufactured substances chemically similar to cannabis, but significantly stronger and more addictive. Additionally, 20 grams of ABD Butinaca were found in his possession.

Prosecutor Arelis Borges Delgado revealed that the accused was also known to sell drugs from his home. A subsequent search of his residence led to the discovery of more substantial quantities of these substances, a large sum of cash, and a digital scale. Altogether, including what he had at the time of his arrest and in his home, the synthetic cannabinoids and hashish amounted to roughly 1,783 doses ready for distribution.

The authorities brought individuals with similar criminal charges to witness the trial as part of the audience, a strategy the government uses in these "exemplary" proceedings. The prosecutor emphasized that the defendant's rights were respected throughout the trial, and he now has the opportunity to appeal the court's decision.

This case is part of over 3,300 arrests and high-profile trials, including corruption cases, conducted by the regime in recent days as part of a renewed effort to curb crime, according to official media reports.