Cuban authorities intensify fight against drug trafficking

Havana, September 13 (RHC) Cuban authorities today intensify the fight against drug trafficking on the island, by carrying out several arrests of people involved and with the interruption of two international trafficking operations.

A report from national television revealed this Thursday that bodies from the Ministry of the Interior seized the synthetic drug known as "the chemical" in the capital municipality of Marianao a few weeks ago. This investigation led to the arrest of 22 citizens related to the distribution of that substance.

According to the television report, a 15-year sentence was recently requested for two foreign citizens for crimes linked to illicit drugs or substances with similar effects. Both were carrying cocaine on their bodies and were detected at the José Martí international airport.

In addition, the court considered imposing a penalty of more than 10 years on a citizen who had a package of marijuana with him.

Legal experts indicated that 96 percent of people tried in Havana courts, either for drug trafficking or possession, have received sanctions. Of that total, 95.8 percent were sentenced to prison terms of more than 10 and 20 years.

Cuba maintains a policy of zero tolerance for drugs, which is why it supports the fight against drug trafficking and promotes the education of the population and prevention as coping strategies, say the island's authorities. (Source: PL)