The Cuban regime has officially acknowledged the presence and circulation of a much more lethal version of the “chemical” in Cuba, a synthetic drug that is distributed in powdered papers and whose composition, as admitted by experts from the Ministry of the Interior (Minint), includes highly dangerous substances such as fentanyl, formaldehyde, animal anesthetics, benzodiazepines, and phenobarbital.
This official recognition marks a shift in the narrative that had previously downplayed the seriousness of the phenomenon, according to a report by the state-run Cubadebate.
Far from being an isolated or controlled problem, as has been attempted to be presented on other occasions, authorities admit that they have detected hospitalizations due to overdoses, increases in legal proceedings related to drug trafficking, and a growing pattern of consumption among young Cubans.
In statements to state media, Captain Leidy Laura Aragón Hernández, a Toxicology specialist at the Provincial Laboratory of Forensics, explained that the new version of the “chemical” is produced in clandestine laboratories outside the country and arrives in Cuba mainly camouflaged in paper, in bags with jewelry, or among aromatic plants like oregano, which makes its detection difficult.
Each batch can also differ drastically from the previous one, which increases the risk of fatal poisonings.
"The chemical produces devastating effects. It is 50 to 100 times more potent than the THC in marijuana. A single dose can cause severe tachycardia, acute hypertension, and psychotic episodes. In some cases, consumers have experienced extreme disinhibition, even going so far as to undress in public without being aware of their actions," the expert stated.
The testimonies of victims and their families starkly reflect the impact of this drug on Cuban society.
Ismael, 21 years old, recounts that he started using "out of curiosity, on the corner of the neighborhood," but what followed was a rapid descent into addiction: "I sold even my clothes. I felt good, but then it was just despair. I thought I was going to die."
In the case of Javier, 24 years old, the "chemical" meant a year of isolation, violence, and ruin: "It left me without money, without dignity, without family. I cried on the floor, unable to stop. My wife begged me to stop, but I no longer had control over anything," he confesses.
Today, after several months clean, his message is clear: “Drugs are not a game. They are a bomb that destroys families, health, and dreams. Don’t even try it.”
The Minint operations confirm that the "chemical" is no longer a marginal phenomenon, but rather a widespread threat that affects all social sectors and which the regime has not managed to control.
In Sancti Spíritus, one of the oldest provinces in Cuba, undercover agents were able to apprehend a young woman from Havana in May 2024 who was transporting over 400 doses of the substance.
The drug, concealed in oregano, was set to be distributed among young people in the area, and alongside it, a young man from Sancti Spíritus, responsible for its sale, was arrested.
The provincial head of the anti-drug unit, Lieutenant Colonel Iván Ruiz Mata, specified that the detected drug mainly comes from the capital of the country and that its low cost, between 200 and 300 pesos per dose, makes it an affordable option for many teenagers.
“Previously, the people of Sancti Spíritus avoided hard drugs, but that has changed. Today, 90 percent of those who try the drug become addicted after the first dose,” he stated.
The chief prosecutor of Criminal Cases in the province, Yoan Leonel Pereira Bernal, reported that in the first quarter of 2025, five criminal cases related to drugs were opened, compared to just one in the same period the previous year, another clear sign of alarm.
Sentences range from four to thirty years in prison, depending on the role and the severity of the crime.
"Those who transport, introduce, manufacture, or sell drugs face severe penalties. However, there is also a clear aggravating factor when minors are involved in the process. In such cases, the crime of corruption of minors is added," the prosecutor explained.
Additionally, he warned about the phenomenon of "shared consumption," when an addict acquires the drug and distributes it among friends, which is now considered drug trafficking.
The story of 23-year-old Kenya highlights that reality. Sentenced to seven years in prison for drug trafficking, she was arrested while trying to distribute paper soaked in chemicals.
"I was guided by the wrong friendships. I thought nothing would happen. Now I'm imprisoned, my parents fell ill, and my life is on hold," she recounts from her cell.
The regime, pressured by the rising consumption and social concern, has begun to implement preventive measures in private bars, nightclubs, and educational centers.
The director of Education in Sancti Spíritus, Andrei Armas Bravo, acknowledged that, although no cases of trafficking have been detected within schools – according to his testimony – there are indeed students involved in incidents of substance use outside the classroom.
"We need to work with families. It's the foundation where prevention begins. We have identified where the main focal points are, and we are reinforcing preventive work there, especially in basic secondary and pre-university education," the official explained.
But beyond operations, controls, or school campaigns, the problem requires a deep perspective: the chemical is already in Cuba and is taking lives, mental health, and future projects, all amidst institutional collapse and the lack of effective public policies in health and rehabilitation.
The regime's acknowledgment of the actual composition and scope of the "chemical" is a warning sign.
It is no longer a foreign or anecdotal phenomenon: it is a national crisis that is taking root in neighborhoods, recreational centers, and Cuban homes, before the astonished gaze of an increasingly worn-out society.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Consumption of "El Químico" in Cuba
What is "El Químico" and why is it so dangerous?
"El Químico" is a synthetic drug that belongs to the group of synthetic cannabinoids, designed to mimic the effects of marijuana but with much greater potency and danger. It is produced clandestinely, using toxic compounds such as fentanyl, formaldehyde, and anesthetics for animals, which increases the risk of poisoning and overdoses. Its effects are devastating and can include tachycardia, hypertension, seizures, hallucinations, and irreversible neurological damage.
How has the consumption of "El Químico" expanded in Cuba?
The consumption of "El Químico" has rapidly expanded in Cuba due to its clandestine production and low cost, making it accessible to many young people. The drug is distributed in small packets or camouflaged within items such as costume jewelry or aromatic plants. Its accessibility and social impact have turned "El Químico" into a national crisis, particularly affecting adolescents and young people from vulnerable sectors.
What measures is the Cuban government taking against the trafficking of "El Químico"?
The Cuban government has intensified police operations and criminal penalties against the trafficking of "El Químico." Mass arrests and exemplary trials have been carried out, with sentences of up to 30 years in prison. Additionally, the National Drug Observatory has been established to monitor the consumption and trafficking of narcotics. However, many believe that the current strategies, mainly focused on repression, are insufficient and call for a more comprehensive approach that includes prevention and rehabilitation.
What are the long-term effects of consuming "El Químico"?
Prolonged use of "El Químico" can cause irreversible damage to mental and physical health. In the long term, users may develop disorders such as anxiety, psychosis, and hallucinations, as well as suffer from renal, hepatic, and cardiac failure. The drug has a high potential for addiction, which exacerbates its destructive effects on the lives of users.
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