AREQUIPA, Peru – Passengers arriving in Cuba with products that the General Customs of the Republic considered “a commission” for third parties, may be penalized with confiscations, according to information provided by the Villa Clara headquarters of the entity.
Amado Elvis Albuernes Sosa, a specialist in customer service at Customs, explained that any traveler who declares that they are carrying merchandise or packages as parcels for other people will face confiscations and sanctions.
The official radio station CMHW The US government released the news, saying the measure seeks to combat illegal trafficking of goods and reduce risks to the island’s national security.
In this regard, Albuernes Sosa warned passengers about the risks of transporting packages without knowing the content or the identity of the sender or recipient, a common behavior among the well-known “mules” who bring products into the country.
In many cases, the specialist says, it has been found that the packages may conceal dangerous objects or those restricted by Cuban laws. Ignorance does not exempt one from responsibility and bringing these objects into the country may lead to sanctions, he added.
The list of prohibited or regulated objects that have been detected in recent months in Villa Clara includes ammunition and firearms. Customs explained that, although some pneumatic weapons with calibers equal to or less than 4.5 are permitted, they must comply with strict regulations and ministerial authorizations, so not anyone can bring them into the Island.
In addition, customs authorities recalled the import restrictions for tourists, as provided for in Article 2 of the Convention on Customs Facilities for Tourism. This rule only allows personal items such as jewelry, cameras, mobile phones and computers, as well as other equipment for personal use.
The measure is part of the Decree Law of November 22, 2020, which aims to control border security and prevent the entry of commercial goods without authorization.
