Probers say drug-running to US is aided by Cuba

Federal investigators say that the Cuban government is helping Florida-bound smugglers and that US authorities may file indictments to embarrass the Castro government.

Assistant US Attorney Neil Taylor said, ''We are satisfied that Cuban government officials have played and continue to play a conscious role in the shipment and distribution of narcotics in this country. Federal investigators say informants report that smugglers would pay the Cuban Navy $50,000 per 10 tons or $800,000 per vessel for aid in loading drugs onto smaller boats. Smugglers' ships have also refueled at Cuban reports, intelligence reports said. Cuban diplomatic officials strongly denied the allegations.