In 2007, the United States Coast Guard interdicted 3,197 Cuban migrants, compared to 2,293 in 2006. Source: Associated Press, “Cuba says 2 migrants drown when smuggling boat capsizes off coast,” International Herald Tribune, December 28, 2007.
Tag: Cuba Economy
News and information on the black market in Cuba. Statistics and data on illegal markets operating in Cuba and around the world. Additional data on counterfeit cuban cigars.
Cuban human smuggling route through Mexico
According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, nearly 90 percent of all undocumented Cubans who enter the United States now come through Mexico rather then reaching the U.S. by boat. Migrants pay smugglers up to $10,000 to cross the Yucatan Channel into Mexico and then travel up to the U.S. Border.
Human smuggling of Cuban baseball players
Between 2000 and 2007, 40 Cuban baseball players were smuggled out of Cuba.
Human smuggling fee from Cuba to the United States
Human smugglers in Cuba charge between $8,000 to $10,000 to people attempting to be smuggled into the United States.
Human smuggling failures from Cuba
Every year since 2000, the United States Coast Guard has intercepted more than 1,400 people attempting to cross the Florida Straits to gain entry into the United States.
Potential Losses from Fake Cuban Cigars
Hundred of millions of dollars are believed to be lost to counterfeit Cuban cigars annually.