Shocking! Cuban national university who came to Korea was arrested urgently for drug trafficking and possession of firearms 'Gambling is nothing'

*This content was translated by AI.

Ahead of the opening of the World Baseball Classic (WBC) in March, surprising news has been delivered to the world's baseball community. Right-hander Youthiel Padron (29), who was also listed on the Cuban national team list, was arrested on charges of large-scale drug trafficking and gun possession in the United States.

According to the Miami-Dade County Police Department in Florida and local journalist Daniel Benitez on the 26th (Korea time), Padron, a pitcher who also played in a minor league under the Boston Red Sox, was arrested at his home in Hyler, Florida, on the 19th local time.

The arrest was said to be like a crime movie. According to a report by CiberCuba, a media outlet that mainly deals with Cuban news, investigators have been conducting undercover and trap investigations since January after obtaining intelligence that Padron is distributing cocaine, a drug component. The informant purchased drugs directly from Padron four times, secured evidence, and arrested him in a surprise move.

The search and seizure resulted in about 50 bags of cocaine (more than 45 grams) divided for distribution purposes, two pistols, and proceeds from the crime at Padron's home. Beyond simple medication, the felony charge of "armed drug trafficking" was reportedly applied.

Born in Havana, Cuba, Padron stepped on U.S. soil in the 22nd round of the 2018 MLB Rookie Draft, being drafted by the Boston Red Sox. He dreamed of making his major league debut by being promoted to Double A by the 2022 season, but since he was released at the end of the 2024 season, he has mainly been active in independent leagues such as Canada.

In particular, Padron was on the preliminary list for the recently announced Cuba WBC national team, accelerating preparations for the tournament. Moreover, the formation of a preliminary list is important for the Cuban national team due to the U.S. visa issue. In particular, Padrón pitched as the second pitcher for against South Korea / vs. Korea in the Premier 12 held in 2024 and pitched well with three hits, two strikeouts, one walk and one run in three innings. He also played in the Ulsan-KBO Fall League held in October 2024.

At present, Padron is being held at the Miami-Dade County Metro-West Detention Center, making it difficult for him to avoid a heavy prison sentence. Cuba, which belongs to Canada, Panama, and Colombia, as well as Puerto Rico in Group A of the WBC, will play from the 7th, but Padron will not be able to play. As of yet, the Cuban Baseball Federation has yet to make any official position.

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*This content was translated by AI.