A Facebook user shared dramatic images this Friday of a young man lying on the sidewalk in a neighborhood of Havana and under the influence of the drug known as “El químico.”
Onier Ortega Pérez, who, according to his profile information, resides in the capital and works at Habaguanex, shared a video of a young man lying on the edge of the sidewalk, face up, moving, apparently intoxicated by the "chemical," whose use the internet user described as an "epidemic."
The clip was filmed on Egido Street in Old Havana this Friday.
"Does it hurt the State so much to acknowledge that this is already an epidemic and an emergency needs to be declared? Why don't they at least broadcast on television and in the state media what should be done in these cases to provide first aid to the poisoned? There are many people who want to help when they see this but are afraid or don’t know what to do," they stated in their post.
The consumption of “El Químico” has caused alarm in Cuba due to its devastating consequences on the physical and mental health of young people.
Cuban doctors have reported that the substance belongs to the group of synthetic cannabinoids, designed to mimic the effects of marijuana, but in reality, they are much more potent and dangerous.
The commenters who expressed their thoughts on the post by Onier Ortega Pérez noted that there are many scenes like the one shown, where Cubans convulse or hallucinate after having consumed the narcotic.
Some have not stopped putting forth their hypotheses that the regime itself may have introduced the drug as a mechanism of dissociation among Cubans.
"Just as misery is imposed on the people by the State itself, this epidemic could also be the work of its members as a distraction tactic or a form of warfare, where once again the people are the great losers," stated an internet user.
The user himself referred to interventions by Nayib Bukele, where the Salvadoran president acknowledged that this type of business, such as drug trafficking, allows corrupt states to keep large amounts of money on the streets.
Another commentator warned that some of the most severe effects of the "chemical" are due to the mixing of substances such as formaldehyde and anesthetics with cannabis.
The State in the Face of Drug Trafficking
The frequency with which news emerges in independent media about the consumption of the "chemical" and the government's inaction regarding the situation has compelled the regime to take action.
This week, authorities announced the establishment of the National Drug Observatory (OND), an institution aimed at monitoring and observing the drug phenomenon on the island, with a focus on detecting new psychoactive substances and analyzing trends in drug consumption and trafficking.
According to a report published in the newspaper Granma, the project, led by the Ministry of Justice (Minjus), will be implemented throughout 2025 and will feature an Early Warning System designed to quickly identify and report the presence of new drugs and minimize the risks associated with their consumption and distribution.
In recent months, the police and Customs have strengthened controls and seizures, particularly at airports and areas with high drug trafficking.
During 2024, according to the authorities, they seized 1,051 kilograms of drugs, primarily cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, and cannabinoids.
That year, 1,157 individuals involved in drug trafficking were also sanctioned.
Drug consumption is primarily addressed as a public order issue, and for this reason, the government has announced measures to combat it, including a recent crackdown in several neighborhoods of Havana.
In December 2024, several "exemplary trials" related to drug trafficking were held, which included sentences of up to 15 years in prison for possession and sale of small quantities of substances.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Impact of "El Químico" on Cuban Society
What is "El Químico" and why is it so dangerous?
"El Químico" is a synthetic cannabinoid designed to mimic the effects of marijuana, but it is much more potent and dangerous. It is manufactured illegally using toxic ingredients such as formaldehyde and veterinary anesthetics, which increases the risk of poisoning and overdose deaths. Its effects can be devastating in both the short and long term, affecting the mental and physical health of users.
How is "El Químico" affecting young people in Cuba?
"El Químico" is generating deep concern in Cuba due to its devastating effects on the health of young people. Its use can lead to a loss of values and self-esteem, with many young individuals ending up physically deteriorated and facing a path of suffering that can culminate in death from overdose. The drug has become popular among youth due to its low cost and rapid effects, which increases its demand and the risk of addiction.
What actions is the Cuban government taking to combat the consumption of "El Químico"?
Cuban authorities have intensified anti-drug operations, arresting individuals involved in the sale of "El Químico." However, there is an urgent need to strengthen prevention and education strategies to combat the consumption and distribution of this dangerous drug. The establishment of the National Drug Observatory is a step in that direction, though its effectiveness remains to be seen.
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