The Cuban ruler Miguel Díaz-Canel acknowledged on Monday the growing social concern over the increase in drug consumption and circulation in Havana, especially in the municipality of Guanabacoa, where he conducted an official tour, although it is a problem that affects the entire country.
During his visit, Díaz-Canel briefly addressed the issue, without providing figures or concrete measures, and again highlighted the family and community as the primary responsible parties for the problem, as seen in an official report.
"We must ensure that all individuals who are disconnected from education and work, and are able to engage, actually do so. We need to fight against drugs vigorously; we know there are concerns, and this fight must start within the family," stated the leader.
He added that the confrontation must take place "with an appropriate functioning of the institutions" and "when we all work together, we make progress," insisting on a narrative he has reiterated on other occasions regarding social phenomena that affect Cuban youth, which specifically do not resolve anything at all.
The statement comes amid a growing public discontent regarding the increase in substance abuse throughout the country, a phenomenon that has been documented on social media by activists, neighbors, and independent media, while the authorities insist on community responses and avoid addressing the issue from a structural or institutional perspective.
The Cuban regime has officially acknowledged the presence and circulation in Cuba of a much more lethal version of “the chemical”, a synthetic drug that is distributed in aerosolized paper 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 severity of the phenomenon, according to a report from the state-owned Cubadebate.
Far from being an isolated or controlled issue, as has been attempted to be presented on other occasions, authorities admit that hospitalizations due to overdoses have been detected, there has been an increase in legal proceedings related to drug trafficking, and a growing pattern of consumption among young Cubans.
Additionally, the official report specified that 90% of those who try this new variant of the chemical in Cuba become hooked from the first dose, acknowledging its rapid spread and high lethality.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Increase in Drug Trafficking in Cuba
What measures has Díaz-Canel mentioned to address the rise in drug consumption in Cuba?
Díaz-Canel has emphasized the role of family and community in the fight against drugs, but he has not provided specific measures at the state level. During his visit to Guanabacoa, he highlighted the importance of proper functioning of institutions and the need for a collaborative effort. However, his speech lacks a structural approach to addressing the issue.
How is drug consumption affecting Cuban youth?
The consumption of drugs, especially synthetic substances like "el químico," is having devastating effects on Cuban youth. Affected young people exhibit severe symptoms such as seizures and hallucinations, and their physical and mental deterioration has been documented on social media. This issue reflects not only a public health crisis but also a social and economic crisis that impacts the entire island.
What actions is the Cuban government taking against drug trafficking?
The Cuban government has intensified police operations against drug trafficking, arresting suspects and conducting exemplary trials. Additionally, it has created the National Drug Observatory to monitor the phenomenon. However, these actions focus more on repression than on addressing the underlying causes of the problem, such as the lack of opportunities and the economic crisis.
What is the Cuban government's stance on drug trafficking?
The Cuban government has adopted a stance of "zero tolerance" towards drug trafficking. Manuel Marrero Cruz, the Prime Minister, has stated that the fight will be "with blood and fire," highlighting the political will to confront this scourge. However, the effectiveness of these statements is questioned, as the problem continues to grow.
Filed under:
