A couple was apprehended in Holguín after authorities discovered they were transporting drugs and a substantial amount of cash. The information was shared on Sunday via the state-aligned "Cazador-Cazado" Facebook page, which detailed the incident in a post.
According to the report, Omelio Leyva González, known as "the mule driver," and Yarlenis Cutiño García, nicknamed "the mule," were intercepted during a police operation while traveling in a private vehicle near kilometer 71, on the outskirts of Holguín. Following a thorough inspection, officers uncovered illicit substances and cash, leading to their immediate arrest.
The regime-affiliated profile, which serves as a voice for the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), described Omelio Leyva as a "capo" in the narcotics world. It also noted that the woman, though less known, had taken the risk of transporting a "package" of drugs, which ultimately led to her downfall. "Their journey, business, and freedom have come to an end," the post commented.
Authorities have yet to release an official statement on the case, and the type and quantity of drugs seized have not been disclosed. However, the profile concluded with a warning: "Everything falls under its own weight here. Remember, drugs are fire, and in our little Cuba, they come at a high cost."
In a related incident in November, a Cuban was arrested after a marijuana plantation was discovered on his farm, which belonged to the Agroforestry Basic Business Unit (UEB) of Holguín, according to "Cazador-Cazado." The operation took place in the Las Minas neighborhood, in the Baguano municipality, and the detainee was identified as Luis Manuel González.
In December, during a public trial, the Provincial Court of Camagüey sentenced a prisoner to 19 years of imprisonment for introducing a drug known as "the chemical" into the prison where he was already serving a sentence. The accused was prosecuted for offenses related to illicit drugs or substances with similar effects in the public trial of case 99 of 2024, held in the State Security Crimes Chamber, within the criminal division of the Provincial Popular Court of Camagüey, as reported by the local state media.
Legal Consequences and Drug Trafficking in Cuba
What are the legal repercussions for drug trafficking in Cuba?
In Cuba, drug trafficking can lead to severe legal consequences, including long prison sentences, as exemplified by recent cases reported by state media.
How have recent drug arrests impacted the perception of safety in Cuba?
Recent drug arrests have highlighted ongoing concerns about narcotics in Cuba, challenging the perception of safety and prompting discussions about the effectiveness of law enforcement.