Several Cubans arrested for selling “the chemical” in Havana

In Havana, several Cubans were arrested for selling marijuana and the synthetic drug known as "el químico." Operations in Marianao and Cerro highlight the serious issue of drug addiction in Cuba.

Arrestan a cubanos vinculados a la venta de sustancias ilícitas © Collage Facebook / La Página de Mauro Torres 2.0
Cubans linked to the sale of illicit substances arrested.Photo © Collage Facebook / The Page of Mauro Torres 2.0

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 Facebook profile "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.

Facebook Capture / Mauro Torres 2.0 Page

According to a neighbor in the area, the arrested individual was trafficking "criolla and yuma" marijuana, as it is referred to in criminal circles.

During the arrest, the authorities seized several packages of marijuana, a grinder, and a significant amount of cash.

The official profile reported that, in a second operation carried out in the municipality of Playa, additional individuals were arrested for the sale of the "chemical." This incident took place on 54th Street, between 27th and 29th.

In a second post, the page “La Página de Mauro Torres 2.0” reported that during the operation carried out on 54th Street, between 27th and 29th, "several people were arrested, including those known as Cristian and Xiomara. Both were involved in selling the famous 'chemical' that has been widely talked about."

Facebook Capture / Mauro Torres 2.0 Page

Additionally, he stated that according to neighbors in the area, "the apprehended individuals stopped in the hallway in front of the old laundry."

Rayda González, a resident of the area, stated that the detainees "thought they were untouchable, but their party's over. While they were in the middle of a sale with about three people who had come to buy, a black van arrived with DTI agents and they caught everyone. In fact, a month ago, they had arrested another couple who were also involved in selling the chemical. These people never learn."

Another government-affiliated page, "Heroes in Blue in Cuba," reported on a second operation. According to local residents, the detainees were apprehended in a corridor in front of the old laundry facility.

Facebook Capture / Heroes in Blue in Cuba

Moreover, he boasted that these operations are part of a comprehensive strategy to combat drug trafficking in the country, highlighting the collaboration between authorities and citizens in identifying sales and distribution points.

In September, a total of 22 people were arrested in Havana, accused of selling the synthetic drug "in paper form," known as "the chemical."

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 municipality of Marianao, in the Cuban capital.

In recent months, several videos have gone viral on social media showing young Cubans allegedly under the influence of "el químico," a dangerous synthetic drug whose exact components are unknown and whose use has significantly increased among Cuban youth.

Their presence in society has become so alarming that even the state media cannot hide the serious issue of drug addiction.

The 26th Newspaper from Las Tunas reported this week on a young man's testimony who first became hooked on pills like carbamazepine and tramadol, then on marijuana, and is now dependent on the notorious "chemical", a synthetic drug in the form of paper.

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