Two Cubans Arrested with Stolen Car and 1,300 Pounds of Coffee

In a recent incident, two men were apprehended on a highway leading to Urbano Noris in Holguín Province. They were found transporting nearly 1,300 pounds of coffee in 28 nylon sacks, as reported by the pro-government Facebook page Cazador-Cazado. The individuals, identified as Yasmani Perdomo Pupo and Rosel Caballero Rojas, were traveling in a vehicle originating from Santiago de Cuba. This vehicle did not belong to them and was using stolen license plates.

The authorities acted promptly, intercepting the illegal shipment. According to the official source, this incident represents a case of "wrongful appropriation" and "hoarding." Both individuals are now facing charges related to speculation and hoarding, and have been handed over to the relevant authorities. As of this report, no additional details about the case have been disclosed.

Recent Coffee Thefts in Holguín

This is not the first instance of coffee theft arrests in Holguín, with a similar pattern emerging over the past few years. In November 2023, another man was detained in the province while driving a stolen tourist car, carrying 24 sacks of coffee beans, amounting to approximately 1,200 pounds. It was revealed that the Kia Picanto used in this crime had previously been stolen from a Canadian citizen in Holguín.

Earlier that year, in July, a similar case occurred when a man was caught transporting 1,500 pounds of coffee in a tourist vehicle in Alto Cedro, Cueto. The driver attempted to flee when police tried to stop him, but a roadblock in a nearby town forced him to abandon the car and run. The suspects left behind a rental contract containing the renter's information, which eventually led to their capture, as the car was not stolen in this instance.

Later that month, another man was detained for transporting sacks of coffee and sugar in a stolen tourist car from Guantánamo, further highlighting the ongoing issue of coffee theft in the region.

The Coffee Crisis in Cuba

Cuba is currently facing a significant coffee shortage, deeply impacting both domestic consumption and the cultural tradition of the daily "cup." The scarcity has led to long lines and rationed sales through the ration book, causing widespread frustration and resignation among Cubans.

The crisis stems from a lack of resources, low national production, and challenges in importing, exacerbated by the economic downturn. Even the traditional coffee mixed with peas—a common alternative for decades—is now in short supply. This situation illustrates the decline of an industry that was once thriving. The lack of investment, deteriorating agricultural infrastructure, and workforce migration to more profitable sectors have all contributed to the decline in domestic production.

To address the situation, authorities have prioritized exports to earn foreign currency, leaving the national market with reduced availability and quality of coffee in state-run stores and foreign currency shops. Consequently, coffee has become a luxury item, further fueling public discontent and highlighting the structural limitations of the Cuban economy.