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

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 is unfortunately being consumed by an increasing number of young people on the island.

The deceased, identified as Alex David Rivero Naranjo, was originally from the Santos Suárez neighborhood in the Havana municipality of Diez de Octubre.

"I still can't come to terms with your loss. May God receive you in a beautiful place. Although you're no longer with us, your smile, your kindness, and all the moments we shared will forever remain in the hearts of those 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 internet 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 dismay 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 Alex David.

A former teacher noted that he was quite a quiet boy and expressed her surprise and sadness at what had happened.

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

Many of Alex David Rivero's acquaintances have emphasized his noble character and kindness, expressing sorrow over the way drugs are destroying an ever-growing number of young people on the island.

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

In recent months, shocking scenes of young Cubans under the influence of "the chemical" have sparked alarm after going viral on social media. The images usually show them experiencing convulsions, screaming, losing motor skills, and engaging in reckless behavior that highlights the severity 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 use in adulterated cigarettes.

"The Chemist" can be up to a hundred times more potent than marijuana, making it an immediate addiction weapon.

It is in high demand among young people due to its low initial cost and the rapid onset of its psychoactive effects.

The effects are immediate and devastating: in the short term, it can cause euphoria, perceptual disturbances, nausea, rapid heart rate, 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 kidney, liver, and heart failure.

It is a drug that is produced with no regard for human life and, due to its illegal origins, the concentrations of its components are unpredictable, which increases the risk of poisonings 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's degree holder in Addictions, and director of the Center for Adolescent Dehabituation (CDA), described in statements to Cubadebate the destructive impact of this drug on young people, who often have no understanding of its composition.

"Ignorance and a lack of information prevent them from taking a moment to reflect on what they are consuming, and they quickly become trapped in a state of slavery to the substance," he assured.

In the words of the doctor, 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 from 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 alert to warning signs.”

“Permitir el consumo de cigarrillos o alcohol en adolescentes abre las puertas a la experimentación con sustancias más peligrosas como ‘El Químico’”, advierte.

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

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

This work, although challenging, demonstrates that with professional support, determination, and education, it is possible to undo the damage caused by these substances.

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

The progress of "the chemist" in Cuba exposes the regime's shortcomings in the fight against drugs.

In a recent address, Colonel Juan Carlos Poey Guerra, head of the anti-drug division 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 embedded 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 imitating these synthetic drugs have worsened the problem, particularly affecting the youth.

As drug enforcement operations intensify 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 jeopardize security and public health.

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

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

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