HAVANA, March 19 (Manuel David Orrio, CPI) - Cuban Customs officials
intercepted a shipment of 400 VCRs concealed in one of the ballast tanks of a
cargo ship coming in from Panama.
The number of machines involved, with a cost of approximately 50,000
dollars, according to a merchant marine officer, is unusually large by Cuban
standards. The same officer speculated that the operation, had it been
successful, would have netted more than 60,000 dollars in profits.
"Cuban sailors usually bring in something to sell, but never in those
numbers. I suppose a few of them got together and pooled their money," said
the officer.
The ballast tanks are seldom checked. Presumably customs officials noticed
that the bolts securing the compartment had been recently tampered with. Some
sailors mentioned the possibility of a whistle blower.
VCRs are in great demand in Cuba, reportedly as an alternative to
State-controlled television. The dollar stores, the only ones where Cubans may
buy imported products, do not sell them.
Versión original
en español
CubaNet does not require sole rights from its
contributors. We authorize the reproduction and distribution of this
article as long as the source is credited.
| 