The Provincial People's Tribunal of Sancti Spíritus imposed sentences of up to 10 years in prison for Cuban citizens for trafficking a drug commonly known as "the chemical," obtained in Havana and sold in that central province.
In a report from the local state media Escambray, it was revealed that, in a landmark trial, five individuals received sentences ranging from seven to ten years in prison for "crimes related to illicit drugs or substances with similar effects."
At the conclusion of an oral hearing held in the First Criminal Chamber of the Provincial People's Court of Sancti Spíritus, the authorities sentenced Moisés Enrique Ferrán Peña to 10 years of imprisonment; Efrén Arvelio González Cruz to nine years; Leroi Martínez Rignak and Henry Javier Camejo Valera to eight years; and Elianys Daniela Olivares López to seven years.
According to the representative of the Prosecutor's Office before the jury, since before November 2023, the defendants Efrén Arvelio González Cruz and Moisés Enrique Ferrán Peña had been obtaining in the Centro Habana neighborhood of Havana a supply of synthetic cannabinoid MDMB, commonly known as Químico or Bomba, for commercialization.
Later, Elianys Daniela Olivares López and Leroi Martínez Rignak began purchasing it from the accused to sell it in the neighborhood of Kilo-12, in Sancti Spíritus, for 14,000 and 15,000 pesos per gram.
These individuals, in addition, started selling the drug to Henry Javier Camejo Valera in March 2024, a native of Sancti Spíritus, who would then sell it to residents of the city.
Last year, in June, Elianys Daniela Olivares López was arrested while traveling from the capital to Sancti Spíritus with 1,766 grams of the drug. In the city, according to reports from the official press, she was waiting for the product from Henry Javier Camejo Valera.
Both individuals from Sancti Spíritus, in addition to the prison sentences they received, had their cell phones seized during a police operation.
The "crusade" against drugs
The Cuban regime claims that it has begun a war against drug trafficking, supporting the rhetoric of zero tolerance towards drugs.
The authorities have promised "severity" in the fight against drug trafficking, announcing exemplary sanctions that include sentences of up to 30 years in prison, life imprisonment, or even the death penalty, depending on the circumstances of the crime, such as the involvement of minors under 18 in the offense, significant amounts of drugs in the possession of the accused, or connections to international trafficking.
In the context of the third exercise on drug prevention and confrontation in Havana, the president of the First Criminal Chamber of the Provincial Court, Xian Fong Zamora, recently emphasized that more than 92% of those accused of drug trafficking in the past year were sentenced to effective prison terms, which is clearly a figure presented with the aim of deterring lawbreakers.
The courts are also enforcing asset confiscations on individuals who allow the sale or consumption of drugs in their homes, known as "consumption houses."
In recent weeks, drug enforcement operations have intensified in various provinces, highlighting both the tightening of control policies and the growing issue of drug trafficking on the island.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drug Trafficking and Convictions in Cuba
What is "the chemical" and why is it so dangerous?
"The chemist" is an extremely potent and dangerous synthetic cannabinoid, designed to mimic the effects of marijuana. It is produced clandestinely using toxic ingredients such as formaldehyde and veterinary anesthetics, which increases the risk of poisoning and deaths from overdose. This drug is up to a hundred times more potent than marijuana and has devastating effects on the physical and mental health of young Cubans.
What are the penalties for drug trafficking in Cuba?
The penalties for drug trafficking in Cuba can be extremely severe, reaching up to 30 years in prison, life imprisonment, or even the death penalty. These sanctions depend on the circumstances of the crime, such as the involvement of minors under 18, significant quantities of drugs, or connections to international trafficking. The Cuban government has adopted a zero-tolerance approach to drug trafficking, conducting exemplary trials to deter such activities.
What measures is the Cuban government taking against drug trafficking?
The Cuban government has intensified security operations and improved collaboration with citizens to identify and dismantle points of sale and distribution of drugs. Additionally, the National Drug Observatory (OND) has been established to monitor and supervise the drug phenomenon on the island, with an Early Warning System to identify new psychoactive substances. However, the effectiveness of these measures remains questionable due to the rising number of offenses and the complexity of the drug trafficking problem on the island.
How does the trafficking of "el químico" affect Cuban society?
The trafficking of "el químico" has raised growing concern in Cuba due to its widespread use among young people, who suffer severe physical and mental effects from this drug. The lack of control and education regarding its dangers has resulted in an increase in crime and overdose deaths, highlighting the regime's inability to manage this public health crisis.
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