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A major anti-drug operation has resulted in dozens of arrests this week in Havana, according to various official profiles on social media, which have documented images and provided details of some of those arrests.
The operations have been carried out in various areas of Havana, including municipalities such as Marianao, Guanabacoa, Habana del Este, Habana Vieja, Arroyo Naranjo, Cerro, and Boyeros, among others.
The strategy has involved surprise raids, during which the police have managed to seize drugs, cash, and materials for the trafficking of these illegal substances.
In the municipality of Boyeros, the Sector Chief of the Wajay neighborhood caught a trafficker in the act,
Another location where the police made several arrests related to drug trafficking was in La Güinera, in the municipality of Arroyo Naranjo.
Among those arrested in that case are Marnoldis Utria and Luis Echarte Cruz.
According to testimonies from residents, Marnoldis was caught with two cigars, one of which concealed "the chemical" inside.
Luis Echarte Cruz, for his part, was arrested after the discovery in his home of a digital scale, three metal scissors, and an ashtray full of material ready for sale.
Another operation took place in the Martí neighborhood, in the municipality of Cerro, where police officers seized a large quantity of "chemicals" and marijuana, as well as cash in national currency and in dollars.
In this case, only one trafficker was arrested, identified as "Yosvanis," who was already known for his criminal activity in the area.
Another recent operation took place in the La Favela neighborhood, on Callejón El Sapo, in the Guanabacoa municipality, where the police managed to seize a significant amount of the trendy cannabinoid in Cuba: "the chemical."
In this operation, brothers Pablo Alexis and Ernesto were arrested. In addition to the drugs, the agents found baggies and notes used for the distribution of the substance.
The Cuban police conducted another anti-drug operation on Tuesday night in the municipality of Habana del Este, where several citizens were arrested for alleged possession of illicit substances and controlled medications.
This Tuesday, the Cuban Police launched an anti-drug operation in Marianao and Guanabacoa, resulting in the arrest of several suspects linked to drug trafficking.
On Monday of this week, an operation in Quinta Corona, in the D’Beche neighborhood of Guanabacoa, ended with the arrest of two suspects.
The authorities have urged the public to report any suspicious activity related to the sale and consumption of drugs, emphasizing the importance of citizen cooperation in eradicating this problem.
According to statements from a Supreme Court judge, one of the biggest challenges in prosecuting these crimes is the need for solid evidence to achieve convictions. Therefore, the work of gathering evidence is essential to ensure the success of the operations.
Increase in anti-drug operations in Cuba
At the beginning of December, it was revealed that Marianao, La Lisa, Arroyo Naranjo, and San Miguel del Padrón are the municipalities with the highest drug trafficking and consumption in Havana, as explained by a colonel from the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) on the television program "Hacemos Cuba," hosted by the regime's spokesperson Humberto López.
"There are the trafficking bases. There is a culture of consumption. The main traffickers and drug users are there", explained Colonel Juan Carlos Poey, head of the specialized anti-drug enforcement agency.
It has also been specified that in the neighborhoods of La Güinera (Arroyo) and El Palenque (La Lisa), the use of methamphetamines has already been detected, indicating that drug addiction has escalated in severity and has progressed from synthetic cannabinoids to methamphetamines (pills, powders, or psycho-stimulating crystals). This is due to the fact that addiction increasingly demands higher doses, and these doses need to be stronger.
Operations against drug trafficking have become more evident in recent months, although the population continues to demand greater severity and effectiveness.
In September, a total of 22 people were arrested in Havana, charged with selling "the chemical".
In December, a Cuban who was engaged in drug dealing in zone 4 of Alamar, in the Havana municipality of Habana del Este, was arrested during a police operation. In this case, the detainee was identified as being responsible for the intoxication of a person due to the consumption of this substance.
In a landmark trial held last December, the Provincial Court of Camagüey sentenced a prisoner to 19 years of imprisonment for introducing the drug known as "the chemical" into the prison where he was serving a prior sentence.
At the beginning of this year, a couple was arrested in Holguín after authorities discovered they were transporting drugs and a significant amount of cash.
In recent months, shocking scenes of young Cubans under the influence of "the chemical" have raised alarm after going viral on social media. In the images, they are often seen in the midst of convulsions, screaming, with loss of motor skills, and engaged in reckless acts.
The drug, which mimics the effects of marijuana but with greater potency and severe health risks, has gained popularity among young people in Cuba, raising alarm among authorities and society at large.
Frequently Asked Questions about Anti-Drug Operations in Havana
What is "the chemist" and why is it a problem in Cuba?
"The chemist" is a synthetic cannabinoid that mimics the effects of marijuana but with greater potency and danger. It has become a problem in Cuba due to its widespread use among young people, causing devastating effects such as seizures and psychosis. The drug is manufactured without health regulations, increasing the risk of poisoning and deaths from overdose.
What are the municipalities most affected by drug trafficking in Havana?
The municipalities most affected by drug trafficking in Havana are Marianao, La Lisa, Arroyo Naranjo, and San Miguel del Padrón. These areas have been identified as bases for trafficking and a culture of consumption that has led to an increase in the use of drugs such as "el químico" and methamphetamines.
What measures are the Cuban authorities taking against drug trafficking?
Cuban authorities have intensified drug enforcement operations in several municipalities of Havana, conducting raids and arrests in an attempt to dismantle trafficking networks. However, the population has expressed that these measures are insufficient and calls for greater effectiveness and severity in the fight against drug trafficking.
How is drug consumption affecting Cuban youth?
The consumption of drugs such as "el químico" is seriously affecting young Cubans, who are experiencing severe adverse effects such as seizures, loss of muscle control, and psychosis. This situation has raised alarm among authorities and society, who are concerned about the increase in addiction and its long-term consequences.
What is the role of the community in the fight against drug trafficking in Cuba?
The community plays a crucial role in the fight against drug trafficking in Cuba by collaborating with the authorities through the reporting of suspicious activities. This collaboration is essential to identify and dismantle drug selling and distribution points, although greater effectiveness in the implementation of these actions is still needed.
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