Young Cuban dies in tragic incident related to "the chemist."

A young man died this Monday in Havana after falling from a rooftop while under the influence of a drug commonly known as "el químico," a substance that, unfortunately, is increasingly consumed by young people on the island.

The deceased, identified as A. D. R. N., was originally from the Santos Suárez neighborhood in the municipality of Diez de Octubre, Havana.

"I still can’t come to terms with your loss. May God receive you in a beautiful place. Even though you are no longer with us, your smile, your kindness, and all the moments we shared will forever remain in the hearts of those of us who had the pleasure of knowing the wonderful person you were, reminding us how fortunate we were to have you in our lives. Rest in peace. Fly high," wrote the user identified as "Abreu Rivero Rachel" in an emotional farewell on Facebook.

In the comments section of the post, dozens of people who knew the victim expressed their shock at the tragedy.

"He was a good kid, one of the best guys in the unit," recalled a young man who served in the military with A. D.

An old teacher remarked that he was rather quiet and expressed her surprise and sadness about what had happened.

"The family is in mourning for the loss of my nephew. Rest in peace. I will never forget you," wrote an uncle on social media alongside a photo of himself with the young man.

Many acquaintances of A. D. R. have highlighted his noble character and kindness, lamenting the way drugs are destroying an increasingly large segment of youth on the island.

As of the closing of this note, no further details have emerged regarding the circumstances of the young man's death.

In recent months, shocking scenes of young Cubans under the influence of "the chemical" have raised alarm after going viral on social media. The images often show them in the midst of convulsions, screaming, experiencing loss of motor skills, and engaging in reckless behavior that highlights the seriousness of this issue.

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 reality, 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 a hundred times more potent than marijuana, making it an instrument of immediate addiction.

It is in high demand among young people due to its low initial cost and the speed with which it produces psychoactive effects.

The effects are immediate and devastating: in the short term, it can cause euphoria, alterations in perception, nausea, rapid heartbeat, convulsions, 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 with renal, hepatic, and cardiac insufficiency.

It is a drug that is produced with no 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.

The consumption of "El Químico" has raised deep concerns in Cuba due to its devastating effects on the physical and mental health of young people.

Recently, Dr. Elizabeth Céspedes Lantigua, a specialist in Comprehensive General Medicine and Psychiatry, a master in Addictions, and director of the Adolescent De-addiction Center (CDA), described in statements to Cubadebate the destructive impact of this drug on young people, who often have no knowledge of its composition.

"Ignorance and a lack of information lead them not to reflect on what they are consuming, and they quickly find themselves trapped in a state of enslavement to the substance," he assured.

In the doctor's words, many young people who use this drug end up in deplorable conditions, physically deteriorated, lacking values and self-esteem, and facing a path of suffering that can ultimately lead to death by overdose.

The role of the family in prevention

Céspedes emphasizes the importance of family in preventing drug use: “It is essential for parents to set boundaries, promote values, and be attentive to warning signs.”

"Allowing the consumption of cigarettes or alcohol among adolescents opens the door to experimenting with more dangerous substances like 'El Químico'," he warns.

It also urges families to seek professional help if they suspect substance use or are facing difficulties in family dynamics: “Early detection means an opportunity to change the course of these young people in time and prevent them from becoming part of the sad statistics of addiction,” he concludes.

He also mentioned that the Adolescent De-addiction Center (CDA), which he directs, has been a cornerstone in the rehabilitation of young addicts.

This work, although arduous, demonstrates that with professional support, willpower, and education, it is possible to reverse the damage caused by these substances.

However, the doctor emphasizes that this struggle must be embraced by the entire society, as a collective commitment to protect new generations from a phenomenon that cannot be ignored.

The advance of "the chemist" in Cuba reveals the regime's shortcomings in the fight against drugs.

In a recent intervention, Colonel Juan Carlos Poey Guerra, head of the anti-drug unit of the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), provided a critical analysis of the worsening drug trafficking situation and the devastating impact of synthetic substances in Cuba.

Although he emphasized that the main impacts come from abroad, the rising consumption of synthetic cannabinoids, known as "the chemical", has highlighted the vulnerability of the domestic market.

The colonel emphasized how the distribution of these substances, often soaked in paper, poses an additional challenge due to their high addictive potential and the extreme risk of poisoning.

The ease of access, low cost, and the proliferation of scammers that imitate these synthetic drugs have worsened the problem, particularly affecting young people.

As drug enforcement operations intensify in the country, the phenomenon highlights an urgent need to strengthen prevention and education strategies, within a regional and global context where drug trafficking, maritime routes, and the expansion of synthetic drugs continue to jeopardize public safety and health.

In recent operations in Havana, several individuals were arrested for the sale of illegal substances, including marijuana and the chemical.

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

Frequently Asked Questions about the Impact of "El Químico" in Cuba