A man in Artemisa province was apprehended by Cuban authorities after a substantial quantity of cigarettes, allegedly acquired through illegal means, was discovered in his residence. The arrest occurred during a police operation in the San Cristóbal municipality and was reported by "Angerona de Cuba," a Facebook profile linked to the Ministry of Interior in Artemisa.
According to the report, the individual was well-known in the community for selling large quantities of Popular blue brand cigarettes, which are regulated by state policies and intended for the public. Neighbors noted frequent movements of goods at his home, raising suspicions among the community and officials.
During the operation, a significant number of cigarettes lacking legal documentation were confiscated, and the suspect was taken to a police station for further investigation. Additionally, images shared on social media displayed several cardboard boxes filled with the product and a sack containing large bundles of cash in various denominations, suggesting that illegal sales were generating substantial income.
"Angerona de Cuba" reported that the investigation will delve deeper into those involved in the distribution of the cigarettes, which currently hold high value in the illegal market. This operation is set against a backdrop of cigar scarcity and rising prices in Cuba.
Recent data from Cuba's National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI) revealed that in February, the monthly variation of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) was 2.75%, with the "Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco" category being the most affected. Notably, the price of strong cigarettes surged by 58.72%, highlighting the crisis's impact and market speculation.
ONEI's data showed that cigarette prices vary significantly across provincial capitals, reaching peaks of up to 1,100 pesos in Camagüey, 1,000 pesos in Havana, Santa Clara, and Las Tunas, and lows of 300 to 700 pesos in other regions. Moreover, recent reports indicate that domestic production faces distribution challenges and raw material shortages, while the illegal market exploits this situation to sell at exorbitant prices.
The scarcity of local cigarettes has drawn criticism as the state-owned Tabacuba company celebrates achievements in tobacco exports, while the population struggles to purchase these products in state-run retail networks. The tobacco crisis in Cuba is worsening due to the government's emphasis on exporting high-end products, a major commercial sector for the island.
Meanwhile, cigarettes meant for popular consumption are scarce in the domestic market, fueling speculation and increasing public reliance on illegal trade. Experts suggest that the government's strategy aims to garner foreign currency at the expense of Cubans' access to this product.
Cigarette Crisis and Illegal Trade in Cuba
Why was the man in Artemisa arrested?
The man was arrested because a large quantity of allegedly illegally obtained cigarettes was found in his home during a police operation.
What has caused the increase in cigarette prices in Cuba?
The increase in cigarette prices is due to scarcity, speculation, and rising costs in the illegal market, as well as challenges in distribution and raw material shortages for domestic production.
How does the government's strategy affect the availability of cigarettes in Cuba?
The government's focus on exporting high-end tobacco products to earn foreign currency has led to a scarcity of cigarettes for local consumption, forcing the population to rely more on illegal trade.