Authorities disclosed on Sunday that Cuban Customs thwarted an effort to unlawfully remove two kilograms of gold, hidden in four bars, from the country. The gold was discovered during a routine inspection at Havana's José Martí International Airport. William Pérez González, the First Deputy Chief of the General Customs of the Republic (AGR), shared in a brief statement on the social media platform X that agents identified and prevented the "illegal extraction of 2 kg of gold bars concealed within a double-layered suitcase at the Havana airport."
Pérez emphasized that "the case has been reported and those involved will face legal consequences," praising the "training and keen observation of the officers" as a significant "strength." In the initial report, the official withheld details about the identities and nationalities of those involved, as well as the intended destination for the gold bars. The source of the precious metal also remains undisclosed.
The Cuban government is actively combating illegal mining operations for gold and other minerals, a practice that has surged in various parts of the country in recent years. Recently, authorities announced the dismantling of camps and the arrest of individuals involved in illegal mining activities in the provinces of Villa Clara and Las Tunas.
In Santa Clara, two individuals were apprehended following the discovery of an illicit camp at kilometer 7 of the Maleza Highway earlier this month. The police also seized the tools and equipment used for extracting gold and other minerals, including a mill. Meanwhile, in the municipality of Jobabo, Las Tunas, eight individuals were arrested, accused of engaging in the illegal extraction and trafficking of gold dust. The confiscated items from the detainees included electric equipment and mining tools such as power plants, current generators, water pumping turbines, electric jackhammers, and a "trómer" (a homemade mill used for crushing stones to extract gold).
Despite the government's efforts to eliminate illegal mining, recent incidents highlight the ongoing nature of the problem, with the gold rush in Cuba being a persistent issue driven by the economic crisis and lack of job opportunities.
Additionally, Cuban Customs reported on Sunday the seizure of $30,000 in counterfeit "prop" currency at the Juan Gualberto Gómez International Airport in Varadero, Matanzas. The bills were marked with the phrase "For Motion Pictures Purposes."
Understanding Cuban Customs and Illegal Mining
How did Cuban Customs detect the gold bars?
Cuban Customs detected the gold bars during a routine inspection using their trained officers' keen observation and expertise, uncovering them hidden within a double-layered suitcase at the airport.
What actions is the Cuban government taking against illegal mining?
The Cuban government is actively dismantling illegal mining camps and arresting individuals involved in unauthorized extraction and trafficking of gold and other minerals, especially in regions like Villa Clara and Las Tunas.
What was included in the recent counterfeit currency seizure in Cuba?
The recent seizure involved $30,000 in counterfeit bills marked with "For Motion Pictures Purposes," confiscated at the Juan Gualberto Gómez International Airport.