Tobacco.org

• The dark side of Cuban cigars  

"I'm always scared," said Pedro as he deftly twisted large tobacco leaves to make fake famous name Havana cigars in a clandestine workshop in the Cuban capital.

If caught in his illegal workshop, known as a "chinchal," Pedro could face a prison term.

"It's not a business, but a necessity to survive," Pedro said in the dim light of the dilapidated building.

With long-suffering Cuba hard hit by the economic crisis and pounded by two hurricanes last year, the government has stepped up its fight against illegal trade, including in cigars.

Sales in the famous smokes fell 3% last year, according to a report released at a Havana trade show last month.

Jump to full article »