The Cuban government is proudly announcing the confiscation of lands, homes, jewelry, cash, and vehicles from individuals imprisoned for drug trafficking on the island. According to official spokesperson Humberto López, 2024 saw the filing of 980 cases with 1,193 individuals prosecuted, out of which 1,157 were convicted. A significant 94% of those convicted received sentences of imprisonment or correctional internment, and an unspecified number had their assets seized.
Despite claims from the state-run newspaper Granma that in 2024 the Cuban communists seized a ton of cocaine, marijuana, cannabinoids, and methamphetamines, these drugs continue to circulate more freely than ever before on the island. Over the past year, authorities have only initiated five criminal proceedings related to speedboats accused of smuggling drugs into the country and facilitating human trafficking. These boats allegedly deposit drugs in Cuba and return to the United States with illegal immigrants.
From Canal Caribe, Humberto López states that investigations are ongoing to uncover connections between those detained and 20 organizers based abroad. The regime firmly believes that the chemical substances entering Cuba originate from the United States. However, they have identified ten other countries as sources of drugs entering the island. The Cuban authorities are aware that these chemicals, which originate from the U.S., arrive in powder or liquid form, such as acetone and perfumes, or laced into cigarette leaves or paper folds.
Last year, 94 individuals were detained at Cuban airports—75 being Cubans and 19 foreigners. The country has alerted Interpol regarding 59 Cubans accused of drug trafficking and has issued warrants for two other foreign nationals. In 2024, 157 interprovincial drug trafficking operations were conducted, resulting in 267 arrests and the seizure of 73 kilos of drugs, predominantly in Havana, Camagüey, Holguín, Granma, and Santiago de Cuba.
In the provinces of Granma, Holguín, Guantánamo, and Las Tunas, authorities discovered 105 marijuana plantations. Provisional detention was decreed for 92% of those arrested in these anti-drug operations.
Drug Hotspots in Havana
In Havana, Humberto López reports the identification of 74 hotspots where drug trafficking and consumption are concentrated. Last week, a large-scale "exemplary" operation led to the confiscation of four kilos of unspecified drugs and the arrest of 500 individuals within seven days. Most were warned, with only 95 classified as traffickers, all of whom are currently in provisional detention.
Additionally, a control operation was conducted in hospitals to ensure that fentanyl is securely stored in safes. However, Humberto López firmly asserts that "there is no fentanyl consumption in Cuba."
Drug Trafficking and Law Enforcement in Cuba
What assets have been confiscated from drug traffickers in Cuba?
The Cuban government has seized lands, homes, jewelry, cash, and vehicles from individuals convicted of drug trafficking.
How many drug-related cases were processed in Cuba in 2024?
In 2024, Cuba processed 980 drug-related cases, resulting in the prosecution of 1,193 individuals, with 1,157 convicted.
Where are the major drug trafficking hotspots in Cuba?
Havana is identified as a major hotspot with 74 areas concentrated with drug trafficking and consumption activities.
What measures are in place to control fentanyl in Cuba?
Hospitals in Cuba have implemented control measures to ensure fentanyl is stored securely in safes, though officials claim there is no fentanyl consumption in the country.