The Cuban government claims that it is engaged in a war against drug trafficking. They are promoting a new wave of police operations in support of the zero-tolerance rhetoric towards drugs.
The Prime Minister, Manuel Marrero Cruz, emphasized: “Cuba reaffirms its political will for zero tolerance towards drugs, a universal scourge that impacts national security. In light of the new methods and techniques for their introduction into the country, it is urgent to address this issue with a comprehensive approach and to act with rigor.”
In an even more forceful tone, Marrero cited Raúl Castro Ruz, stating that the fight will be "with blood and fire" against anyone who attempts to introduce drugs to the island.
"We will continue to combat this phenomenon as Raúl Castro expressed: 'With blood and fire' against anyone who tries to pollute our streets, contaminate our children, grandchildren, our adolescents and youth," he declared.
Wave of operations and arrests in Havana
Marrero's statements coincide with a series of anti-drug operations that have resulted in dozens of arrests this week across various municipalities in Havana.
The operations, documented in images shared by official profiles on social media, have taken place in areas such as Marianao, Guanabacoa, East Havana, Old Havana, Arroyo Naranjo, Cerro, and Boyeros.
One of the most notable cases occurred in Boyeros, where the Sector Chief of the Wajay neighborhood caught a trafficker in the act, seizing 128 doses of the synthetic cannabinoid known as "the chemical."
In Arroyo Naranjo, in the La Güinera neighborhood, Marnoldis Utria and Luis Echarte Cruz were arrested. Marnoldis was caught with two cigars containing the substance, while in Luis Echarte's home, officials found a digital scale, three metal scissors, and an ashtray with material ready for sale.
Another operation in the Martí neighborhood, Cerro municipality, resulted in the seizure of a large quantity of "chemicals," marijuana, and money in national currency and dollars. In this case, a trafficker identified as "Yosvanis," known for his criminal activity in the area, was arrested.
The police also intervened in the La Favela neighborhood, in the El Sapo alley of Guanabacoa, where they arrested brothers Pablo Alexis and Ernesto. Drugs, needles, and papers used for distributing the substance were found in their possession.
Creation of the National Drug Observatory
In parallel to the intensification of operations, the Cuban government announced the creation of the National Drug Observatory (OND), an institution under the direction of the Ministry of Justice (Minjus) that will be responsible for overseeing and monitoring the drug phenomenon on the island.
This organization will have an Early Warning System to identify new psychoactive substances and minimize the risks associated with their consumption and distribution.
Alexis Batista Segrera, director of International Relations at Minjus, stated that the OND will provide key information for the formulation of national policies and will coordinate actions among institutions such as the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), the Attorney General's Office, and the ministries of Education, Higher Education, and Public Health.
The observatory is part of a cooperation program with the European Union through Copolad III and will begin operations in July 2025, following workshops with experts from the region.
Increase in operations and social concern
The increase in anti-drug operations on the island is a response to the growing concern over the consumption of substances such as "the chemical" and methamphetamines.
According to Colonel Juan Carlos Poey, head of the specialized anti-drug agency of MININT, municipalities such as Marianao, La Lisa, Arroyo Naranjo, and San Miguel del Padrón are the main hotspots for trafficking and consumption in Havana.
"There are the trafficking bases. There is a culture of consumption. The main traffickers and drug consumers are there," Poey explained on the television program "Hacemos Cuba."
The introduction of methamphetamines and other more potent substances reflects an increase in the severity of the problem. The use of "the chemical" has already generated alarming scenes on social media, depicting young people under its effects, experiencing seizures, shouting, and loss of motor control.
The government has urged the population to cooperate with the authorities by reporting any suspicious activities related to drug trafficking or consumption. Judicial authorities have warned about the need for solid evidence to achieve effective convictions.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Fight Against Drug Trafficking in Cuba
What is the Cuban government's stance on drug trafficking on the island?
The Cuban government has adopted a zero-tolerance stance towards drug trafficking. Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz has emphasized that drug trafficking will be fought "with blood and fire," in an effort to protect national security and prevent the contamination of the streets and the Cuban youth with illicit substances.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to combat drug trafficking?
The Cuban government has intensified police operations in various areas of Havana, resulting in dozens of arrests related to drug trafficking. Additionally, the National Drug Observatory has been established, which will begin operations in July 2025, to oversee and monitor the drug phenomenon on the island.
What is the National Drug Observatory in Cuba?
The National Drug Observatory (OND), overseen by the Ministry of Justice, is an institution established to monitor and track the drug phenomenon in Cuba. It will have an Early Warning System to identify new psychoactive substances and will coordinate actions with other ministries and institutions to develop effective national policies against drug trafficking.
What is "the chemist" and why is it a concern for Cuban authorities?
"The chemist" is a synthetic cannabinoid that mimics the effects of marijuana, but with greater potency and danger. Its consumption has led to alarming scenes on social media, showing young people with seizures and loss of motor control, which has heightened the concern of authorities and society as a whole.
Filed under:
