A Cuban influencer highlighted on social media the alarming reality faced by young people in Cuba, where access to drugs such as "el químico" surpasses the availability of basic food items.
"What can we expect if our youth have more access to this substance than to their basic food?" questioned the content creator who identifies on TikTok as @cuba.live2.
According to their publication, the price of these substances ranges from 100 to 350 pesos, depending on the area and the effect they produce.
In contrast, common products like pizza cost around 180 to 200 pesos, while essential foods such as rice, eggs, or milk have skyrocketed in price, making them difficult for many families to afford.
According to the influencer, the situation has led to a worrying increase in drug use among young people, with data from the newspaper Granma revealing a decline in the average age of first use from 17-20 years in 2023 to 13-14 years in 2024.
This means that many children are experimenting with illegal substances while they are in eighth or ninth grade of basic secondary school.
The influencer also pointed out that Centro Habana, one of the most densely populated areas of the island and one of the hardest hit by the economic crisis, is a main focal point of the issue.
"The lack of opportunities and the rising cost of essential goods have not only fueled drug trafficking but also deteriorated the mental health of our youth," he emphasized.
Public spaces in this area, where children, teenagers, and young adults gather to skate, dance, or simply meet up, have become a reflection of this troubling reality.
While many seek recreational alternatives, the lack of financial resources and opportunities exposes them to illegal activities.
The message concludes with a call to attention regarding the structural crisis affecting Cuban youth, where economic, social, and mental factors converge to worsen the situation of a generation trapped in precariousness.
In recent months, shocking scenes of young Cubans affected by the consumption of "el químico" have sparked alarm after going viral on social media: convulsions, desperate screams, and reckless behavior highlight the seriousness of this issue.
The state-run portal CubaDebate collected testimonials about the devastating impact of this substance on young Cubans, highlighting moving accounts from those who have begun rehabilitation processes, reflecting the crisis of addiction on the island.
In recent operations in Havana, several individuals were arrested for the sale of illegal substances, including marijuana and the well-known "chemical."
According to the official government Facebook page "La Página de Mauro Torres 2.0," one of the operations took place at the intersection of 20 de Mayo and Amenidad, near the Ditú del Cerro, where a man identified as Marcelo was arrested.
In September, a total of 22 people were arrested in Havana, accused of selling the synthetic drug known as "the chemical" in paper form.
According to state media, the seizures of this type of drug, which is very popular on the island, took place in the Zamora - Coco Solo Council in the Marianao municipality of Havana.
Frequently asked questions about the situation of youth and drugs in Cuba
Why is access to drugs like "El Químico" concerning in Cuba?
Access to drugs like "El Químico" is concerning in Cuba due to their low cost and high availability, surpassing even the accessibility of basic food items. This situation has led to an increase in consumption among young people, with the age of first use dropping from 17–20 years to 13–14 years in 2024, reflecting a serious social and public health issue.
What effects does "El Químico" have on the health of young Cubans?
"The Químico" is an extremely dangerous synthetic drug that can be up to one hundred times more potent than marijuana, causing devastating effects such as euphoria, alterations in perception, seizures, and loss of muscle control in the short term. In the long term, it leads to irreversible damage to mental and physical health, including anxiety, psychosis, and renal and hepatic failure.
How has the economic crisis in Cuba affected drug consumption among young people?
The economic crisis in Cuba has led to an increase in drug consumption among young people due to a lack of opportunities and the rising costs of essential goods. This has resulted in a deterioration of the mental health of the youth, who are seeking alternative escapes in illicit substances like "El Químico."
What role does the Cuban government play in the fight against "El Químico" and other drugs?
The Cuban government has emphasized the need to intensify anti-drug operations, yet the rise of "El Químico" highlights the regime's shortcomings in combating drug trafficking and preventing youth consumption. The absence of effective strategies and the socioeconomic context exacerbate the issue, putting the younger population at risk.
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