This Thursday, the Provincial People's Court of Sancti Spíritus handed down sentences of up to 10 years in prison to Cuban citizens involved in the trafficking of a drug commonly referred to as "El Químico." This substance, obtained in Havana, was being distributed in the central province. According to a report by the local pro-government outlet Escambray, in what was described as a cautionary trial, five individuals received prison terms ranging from seven to 10 years for "crimes related to illegal drugs or substances with similar effects."
After the completion of a public hearing in the First Criminal Chamber of the Provincial People's Court of Sancti Spíritus, authorities issued a 10-year prison sentence to Moisés Enrique Ferrán Peña. Efrén Arvelio González Cruz was sentenced to nine years, Leroi Martínez Rignak and Henry Javier Camejo Valera to eight years each, and Elianys Daniela Olivares López received a seven-year sentence.
The prosecutor representing the state explained to the jury that prior to November 2023, Efrén Arvelio González Cruz and Moisés Enrique Ferrán Peña were obtaining synthetic cannabinoid MDMB, known as Chemical or Bomb, from the Centro Habana neighborhood for resale. Following this, Elianys Daniela Olivares López and Leroi Martínez Rignak began purchasing the substance from them to sell in the Kilo-12 neighborhood of Sancti Spíritus, at prices between 14,000 and 15,000 pesos per gram.
In March 2024, they started selling the drug to Henry Javier Camejo Valera, a local of Sancti Spíritus, who then distributed it to city residents. In June of the previous year, Elianys Daniela Olivares López was arrested while traveling from the capital to Sancti Spíritus carrying 1,766 grams of the drug. According to official press reports, Henry Javier Camejo Valera was waiting for the delivery in the city. In addition to their prison sentences, both were stripped of their cell phones during a police operation.
The Regime's "War" on Drugs
The Cuban government claims to have launched a campaign against drug trafficking, promoting a zero-tolerance policy towards drugs. Authorities have vowed to be "severe" in their crackdown on drug trafficking, announcing exemplary punishments that could include up to 30 years in prison, life sentences, or even the death penalty. These harsh penalties depend on various factors, such as the involvement of minors under 18, significant quantities of drugs, or connections to international trafficking.
Xian Fong Zamora, president of the First Criminal Chamber of the Provincial Court, recently highlighted that over 92% of those charged with drug trafficking in the past year were effectively sentenced to prison. This statistic is intended to deter potential lawbreakers. Additionally, courts are confiscating assets from individuals who allow drug sales or consumption in their homes, known as "drug houses."
In recent weeks, anti-drug operations have intensified across various provinces, signaling both a tightening of control measures and an escalating drug trafficking problem on the island.
FAQs on Drug Trafficking in Cuba
What penalties do drug traffickers face in Cuba?
In Cuba, drug traffickers can face severe penalties, including up to 30 years in prison, life sentences, or the death penalty, depending on the severity of the crime and other factors such as the involvement of minors or international trafficking connections.
How has Cuba intensified its anti-drug efforts?
Cuba has increased its anti-drug operations across various provinces, applying stricter control measures and confiscating assets from those involved in drug-related activities, as part of a broader "war" on drugs.