Cuba is facing a food crisis after a massive chicken heist that resulted in the disappearance of 133 tons of poultry, enough to feed a medium-sized province for a month. The theft, which occurred at a government-owned food distributor, has left hundreds of thousands of families without their share of food. The authorities have identified 30 suspects in connection with the crime, and recovered some of the stolen chicken.
The Details of the Heist: How It Happened and How It Was Discovered
The heist took place at the COPMAR Food Marketing Company, a state-owned enterprise that distributes food to the population. According to the official report, the thieves took advantage of the night shift and the lack of security measures to steal 1,660 boxes of frozen chicken, weighing a total of 133 tons. The theft was discovered the next day, when the workers noticed that the temperature of the cold storage facility had changed.
The investigation, led by the Ministry of the Interior, revealed that the heist was a well-planned and coordinated operation, involving both employees and outsiders. The suspects include shift managers, technologists, custodians, and unemployed individuals, who allegedly used trucks and vans to transport the stolen chicken to various locations. The authorities have arrested 11 of the suspects, and are looking for the rest.
The Impact of the Heist: The Food Shortage and the Social Unrest
The heist has caused a severe food shortage in Cuba, as the stolen chicken was meant to feed hundreds of thousands of families in several provinces. The chicken was part of the monthly food rations that the government provides to the population, which are already insufficient and scarce. The theft has left many people without their basic food needs, and has increased the prices and the demand for chicken in the black market.
The heist has also sparked social unrest and discontent in Cuba, as many people are outraged and frustrated by the situation. The theft has exposed the vulnerability and the inefficiency of the food distribution system, as well as the corruption and the impunity of some state officials. Many people have expressed their anger and their distrust in the government, and have demanded justice and accountability for the crime.
The Context of the Heist: The Economic Crisis and the U.S. Embargo
The heist comes at a time when Cuba is facing a deep economic crisis, aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the U.S. embargo. The island has suffered a sharp decline in tourism, trade, and remittances, which are its main sources of income. The country also faces a shortage of foreign currency, which limits its ability to import food and other essential goods. The government has implemented some reforms and measures to cope with the crisis, but they have not been enough to alleviate the situation.
The heist also reflects the impact of the U.S. embargo on Cuba, which has been in place for more than 60 years. The embargo restricts Cuba’s access to the international market, and imposes sanctions and penalties on any entity that does business with the island. The embargo has been condemned by the international community, and has been blamed by the Cuban government for the country’s economic and social problems.
