Cuban customs officials have uncovered a novel drug trafficking method at Havana's José Martí International Airport: methamphetamine hidden inside rechargeable light bulbs. These items are frequently brought into the country due to Cuba's ongoing energy crisis. The discovery was confirmed on the social media platform X by Wiliam Pérez González, the first deputy chief of Customs, who provided details of the incident.
"An ingenious method of concealing drugs was detected at Havana Airport thanks to the expertise of Cuban Customs and the anti-drug agency. The methamphetamine was wrapped in aluminum foil and stuffed inside light bulbs," the official reported.
The statement was accompanied by several images showcasing how the substance was cleverly camouflaged within the bulbs. The drugs, encased in aluminum foil, were inserted into the devices' bodies, demonstrating the level of sophistication used by those attempting to evade border control.
This discovery adds to a list of recently thwarted attempts, such as synthetic cannabinoids soaked into paper sheets hidden in disposable diapers, which were also intercepted at the capital's airport.
Cuban Customs has reiterated its commitment to intensifying inspections at the country's entry points, especially in light of the increasing use of "ingenious" methods to smuggle drugs in, taking advantage of everyday items that are in high demand due to the island's structural crisis.
In recent weeks, Cuban Customs has tightened its controls at major airports, detecting numerous attempts to smuggle drugs, cash, and regulated goods. In March, authorities reported the prevention of an attempt to smuggle two kilograms of gold in bars, hidden in a suitcase's double bottom at Havana Airport. The official statement noted that those involved would face criminal charges and emphasized the training of officers as crucial in identifying such crimes.
Recently, a passenger was apprehended at Varadero Airport attempting to bring in hashish concealed in a shampoo bottle. This case heightened concerns about the increasing use of everyday products as camouflage, a trend that frequently repeats itself.
Just a day later, over 890 blister packs of a controlled medication were seized in Havana, hidden inside seasoning boxes. These operations are part of a nationwide crackdown on the trafficking of psychotropics and narcotics.
Last Saturday, Customs intercepted 26,000 undeclared euros hidden within a double-sealed nylon compartment at the capital's airport. This amount violated the regulations set by the Central Bank of Cuba, leading to unspecified measures being taken, according to the authorities' report.
Drug Smuggling Tactics and Cuban Customs Efforts
How are drugs being smuggled into Cuba?
Drugs are being smuggled into Cuba using innovative methods, such as hiding methamphetamine in light bulbs and soaking synthetic cannabinoids into paper hidden in diapers.
What measures is Cuban Customs taking to combat drug trafficking?
Cuban Customs is intensifying inspections at entry points, utilizing trained officers to detect smuggling attempts, and increasing vigilance against the creative use of everyday items for drug concealment.
Why are everyday items being used for drug smuggling?
Smugglers exploit everyday items to conceal drugs due to their common use and demand in Cuba, making them less suspicious to customs officials.