Despite the U.S. Oil Blockade, Cuba Vows to Continue Cooperation

Despite the U.S. oil blockade on Cuba, Cuban authorities say they will remain resolute in protecting the national security of both Cuba and the United States, arguing that the two countries share common threats: drug trafficking, smuggling and terrorism.

“They need to understand that destabilizing a country just 90 miles from the United States would ultimately create a problem for them. But it seems to me that the ones most concerned about what happens in Cuba are officials in the U.S. government.,” said Chief of Cuba's Border Guard.

For decades, Cuba has cooperated with the United States on counternarcotics and counterterrorism efforts. In fact, the State Department’s 2024 annual counter-narcotics report recognized Cuba as an effective regional partner in fighting drug trafficking. 

But last year, the chapter on Cuba was removed from the latest U.S. report without public explanation, a move Cuban officials describe as politically motivated.

TRANSCRIPT

“Cuba is not a drug-producing country, nor a storage or transit point for trafficking to third countries,” said Colonel Juan Carlos Poey, Head of the Anti-Drug Unit at Cuba’s Interior Ministry (MININT).

Cuban officials rebutted Trump administration claims that Cuba is a threat to the United States.

“Cuba does not pose a threat to the national security of the United States,” Poey stated.

On drugs, until recently, the U.S. agreed. The State Department’s 2024 annual counter-narcotics report says Cuba is one of the U.S.’s most effective regional partners. But last year, the chapter on Cuba was removed from the report. No explanation was given.

“There is a political intent on the part of the State Department to sideline Cuba, because there are numerous documents acknowledging Cuba’s role and the contribution it has made in combating drug trafficking,” said Colonel Ybey Carballo, Chief of Cuba’s Border Guard.

“Then suddenly, without warning, they change that narrative,” Carballo added.

“Are you concerned that the United States could use drug trafficking and its so-called war on drugs as a pretext against Cuba, the same way it did with Venezuela?” Liz Oliva Fernández asked during the press conference.

“Cuba has nothing to fear, absolutely nothing to fear,” Carballo responded.

“Cuba’s track record in confronting drug trafficking speaks for itself.”

“Throughout its history, it has consistently fought against it,” he continued.

The two countries have cooperated closely on counternarcotics and counterterrorism for decades. But that cooperation has been strained since President Trump’s first term.

“Even under current circumstances, we continue protecting the United States from the scourge of drugs,” Poey said.

“Why? Because there are shared risks and threats that affect both of our countries, including terrorism, smuggling and drug trafficking,” he explained.

Cuba operates a zero tolerance drugs policy. Compared to other countries in the region, consumption rates are low. But in recent years, use of an opioid known as ‘the chemical’ has risen.”

“The main source of drugs entering our country comes from the United States, particularly synthetic cannabinoids,” Poey stated.

“The sale and consumption of what is commonly known as ‘el químico’ or ‘paper’ currently represents the most widespread drug problem we are facing in the country,” he added.

Even with the U.S. oil blockade on Cuba, Cuban authorities remain resolute in pushing for regional security.

“They need to understand that destabilizing a country just 90 miles from the United States would ultimately create a problem for them,” Carballo said.

“But it seems to me that the ones most concerned about what happens in Cuba are officials in the U.S. government,” he concluded.