A Cuban involved in drug trafficking in Zone 4 of Alamar, in the Havana municipality of Habana del Este, was arrested in a recent police operation, according to a report on social media by the pro-government profile La Página de Mauro Torres.
According to testimonies from neighbors, the police and agents from the Technical Investigations Department (DTI) stormed into the man's residence, located in building A 28, apartment 4.
During the registration process, authorities seized from the individual known as "Brisnar" the synthetic cannabinoid referred to as "the chemical," a substance whose use is increasing, particularly among Cuban youth.
According to the cited source, it was revealed that the detainee "was responsible for the poisoning of a person due to the consumption of this substance."
The official source did not provide further details about the circumstances of the drug trafficker's arrest.
At the beginning of this week, the death of a young man in Havana made the news after he fell from a rooftop while under the influence of "el químico," a substance that, unfortunately, is being consumed by an increasing number of young people on the island.
The deceased was originally from the Santos Suárez neighborhood in the Havana municipality of Diez de Octubre.
In recent months, shocking scenes of young Cubans under the influence of "el químico" have sparked concern after going viral on social media. The images often show them in the midst of convulsions, screaming, losing motor skills, and engaging in reckless behavior.
What is "the chemist"?
"The chemical" belongs to the group of synthetic cannabinoids, which are substances designed to mimic the effects of marijuana but are, in fact, much more potent and dangerous.
This drug is produced clandestinely and without health regulations, using low-cost toxic ingredients such as formaldehyde and veterinary anesthetics, which are sprayed onto dried herbs for later consumption in adulterated cigarettes.
“The chemical” can be up to one hundred times more potent than marijuana, making it a tool for immediate addiction.
It is in high demand among young people due to its low initial cost and the quick onset of psychoactive effects.
The effects are immediate and devastating: in the short term, it can cause euphoria, altered perception, nausea, tachycardia, seizures, and loss of muscle control, among other symptoms.
In the long term, the damage is irreversible, impacting mental health with disorders such as anxiety, psychosis, and hallucinations, as well as physical health, leading to kidney, liver, and heart failure.
It is a drug that is produced without any regard for human life and, due to its illegal origin, the concentrations of its components are unpredictable, increasing the risk of poisoning and overdose deaths.
In recent days, a specialist from the Adolescent Dehabituation Center (CDA) described to Cubadebate the destructive impact of this drug on young people, who often have no idea about its composition.
"Innocence and lack of information lead them not to pause and reflect on what they are consuming, and they quickly become trapped in a state of slavery to the substance," described Elizabeth Céspedes Lantigua.
The ease of access, low cost, and proliferation of scammers imitating these synthetic drugs have worsened the problem, particularly impacting young people.
While anti-drug operations are intensifying in the country, the phenomenon highlights an urgent need to strengthen prevention and education strategies in a regional and global context where drug trafficking, maritime routes, and the expansion of synthetic drugs continue to threaten public safety and health.
In September, a total of 22 people were arrested in Havana, accused of selling "the chemical."
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