The General Customs of the Republic of Cuba (AGR) seized over 12 kilograms of gold that two travelers attempted to smuggle out of Havana's José Martí International Airport. The gold was ingeniously concealed within nine artisan-crafted figures, all painted in black.
This discovery was announced on Monday by Wiliam Pérez González, the first vice chief of the AGR, through his official account on X. He praised the officers' skill in detecting the precious metal and promptly reporting the incident to the Revolutionary National Police.
Elaborate Smuggling Technique
The smugglers employed a particularly sophisticated camouflage technique: the nine items were stylized human heads featuring detailed facial features such as eyes, nose, mouth, and textured hair. The glossy black finish made them resemble amulets, crafts, or ritualistic figures.
Pérez described the find with these words: "The 9 black-painted figures concealed the internationally valuable mineral. We commend the officers for their expertise in reporting this to the police."
Significant Financial Implications
As of Monday’s closing gold price, approximately $3,997 per troy ounce, a kilogram of pure gold would be valued at around $128,507. Consequently, the seized 12 kilograms represent a value exceeding $1.54 million, though the final estimation will depend on the exact weight and purity of the metal.
This seizure significantly surpasses previous records by the institution. In March 2025, Customs thwarted an earlier attempt to extract just two kilograms of gold in bars hidden in a suitcase's false bottom at the same airport.
Ongoing Battle Against Smuggling
The smuggling of precious metals is not the only challenge faced by Cuban customs. In May 2026, agents discovered 24,150 euros hidden in a traveler's luggage at the same airport. Additionally, in June, they intercepted numerous marijuana vape pens and a passenger from Panama who had ingested 25 drug capsules.
This tightening of controls aligns with the implementation of Decree-Law No. 108 "On Customs," which replaced the legal framework from 1996 and expanded AGR's capabilities with radiological controls, canine units, and closed-circuit television.
Exporting precious metals from Cuba without a declared value or without authorization from the Central Bank of Cuba is a criminal offense. Decree-Law 108 imposes fines up to three times the value of the goods for severe infractions, along with confiscation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gold Smuggling in Cuba
What was the method used to smuggle the gold?
The gold was hidden within nine black-painted artisan figures designed to look like stylized human heads with facial features, giving them the appearance of amulets or ritualistic items.
What is Decree-Law No. 108?
Decree-Law No. 108 "On Customs" is the legal framework that replaced the 1996 regulations. It enhances the AGR's authority with advanced controls like radiological screening, canine units, and CCTV.
What are the penalties for smuggling precious metals from Cuba?
Penalties include fines up to triple the value of the smuggled goods and confiscation. Such offenses are considered criminal if done without declaring the value or obtaining authorization from the Central Bank of Cuba.