Jesmy García, a Cuban living in the United States and a relative of those affected by the violent armed robbery in Havana, has spoken to AméricaTeVé41 about the incident. She reported that the investigation is currently being handled by an inspector from the Revolutionary National Police (PNR), but so far, there have been no arrests, nor have the two stolen motorcycles from that night been recovered.
García confirmed that the guard responsible for the motorcycles was threatened with a machine gun (a long firearm) and a sharp object or knife. He suffered physical aggression and was tied up. Although he wasn't injured by the weapons, the traumatic event triggered a hypertensive crisis.
The assailants gained entry to the property by quietly scaling a wall. There were six motorcycles being guarded in the parking area, but only two were stolen.
Background of the Incident
Last week, the violent robbery in Marianao municipality came to light after being captured by security cameras. The footage appears to show a long firearm used in the theft. Jesmy García shared these videos on social media, urging the public to help make them viral in an effort to identify the perpetrators.
The footage shows two armed individuals approaching the guard, threatening him, tying him up, and then stealing the motorcycles. García's nephew, one of the victims, lost his vehicle in this incident. As a single father, he had worked hard to purchase the motorcycle to support his family as a delivery driver.
García expressed skepticism about the presence of such firearms in Cuba, speculating that they might belong to someone with ties to the military or police forces. "If someone tells me there are no weapons to defend Cuba's freedom, I'll laugh in their face. Just look at the assault rifles those criminals had," she added in her statement.
Growing Concern Over Weapon Circulation in Cuba
The incident has raised alarm among local residents, who fear that the use of high-caliber weapons, such as machine guns, might be becoming more common in a setting where public safety is already a concern.
Reports of armed robberies and thefts have surged in recent days in Cuba, with firearms playing a prominent role. A recent report from the General Customs of the Republic (AGR) acknowledged an increase in attempts to bring weapons into the country. In 2024, there were attempts to smuggle "a significant number of weapons, 35 cases of drug trafficking, and over 300 items linked to smuggling activities." However, the exact number of weapons confiscated was not disclosed.
As of now, Cuban authorities have not released an official statement regarding the violent assault in Marianao or the broader issue of weapon circulation in the nation.
FAQs on Weapon Use and Security in Cuba
What measures are being taken to address the rise in armed robberies in Cuba?
Currently, investigations are ongoing, but no official measures have been announced by Cuban authorities. The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.
How is the General Customs of the Republic responding to the weapon smuggling attempts?
The General Customs of the Republic has reported an increase in smuggling attempts and is presumably enhancing its security protocols, although specific measures have not been detailed.
Are machine guns commonly found in Cuba?
Machine guns are not commonly found in Cuba, which raises suspicions that such weapons may be linked to military or police sources, as suggested by Jesmy García.