A Cuban mother, identified on social media as Annie Zúñiga, has stirred emotions after sharing a video that shows the visible deterioration of several young people from her neighborhood under the effects of the drug commonly known as "el químico."
The images, captured from its own portal, have gone viral on digital platforms, heightening social concern about the consumption of synthetic substances in Cuban communities.
“This is the corner of my house, and 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, this is the view from my doorstep,” Zúñiga claims in the video.
“Young people, all young people... they are lost.” Clearly worried, she recounts how she has had to prohibit her young children from playing outside due to the insecurity posed by the current environment.
In her testimony, the woman warns that "we all know who the sellers are" and regrets that she could face reprisals for publicly exposing a situation that, she claims, the community has come to normalize.
"The saddest thing is that Cubans have normalized this situation. We see it day by day, and nobody does anything about it," he expresses, questioning the collective silence and the lack of action from local authorities.
“El químico” is a low-cost synthetic drug that is easily accessible and, according to previous reports, is made with a mixture of highly toxic substances such as formaldehyde, solvents, and dried herbs.
Its consumption has been linked to seizures, erratic behaviors, loss of consciousness, and irreversible brain damage.
Although it doesn't directly mention the name of its neighborhood, the video reflects a situation that could be replicated in other urban areas of Cuba, where citizens' complaints about the rise in micro-trafficking and the lack of institutional response are increasing.
The publication has received significant support on social media, where users highlight the mother's courage in bringing attention to an increasingly common reality.
The consumption of narcotics has been linked to an increase in violent episodes, drug-induced psychosis, and self-destructive behaviors.
Although authorities have conducted raids and arrests related to the trafficking of this substance, access remains widespread due to its low cost and distribution in schools, underserved neighborhoods, and through informal networks.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Consumption and Effects of "the chemical" in Cuba
What is "the chemical" and why is it so dangerous?
"El químico" is a low-cost synthetic drug that is easily accessible in Cuba. It is composed of a mixture of highly toxic substances, such as formaldehyde, solvents, and dried herbs. Its consumption leads to devastating effects, including seizures, severe hallucinations, and irreversible neurological damage. Medical reports indicate that this drug is far more potent and dangerous than marijuana, and its use has been linked to an increase in violent episodes and self-destructive behaviors.
How is "the chemical" affecting Cuban youth?
The consumption of "the chemical" is generating a drug crisis among young Cubans, evidenced by numerous videos circulating on social media. The effects of the drug include erratic behavior, loss of consciousness, and brain damage. In many cases, young people have been observed in states of deep alteration and violent behaviors. The situation has created social alarm, and it is believed that the drug is becoming an epidemic in Cuba.
What actions are the Cuban authorities taking to combat the consumption of "the chemical"?
The Cuban government has intensified operations and raids to combat the trafficking of "the chemical." In February, the National Drug Observatory was established to monitor the phenomenon. However, many voices criticize that the actions focus on repression and do not address the problem from a public health perspective. Police operations have resulted in arrests and exemplary trials, but the drug remains widely accessible due to its low cost and distribution through informal networks.
Why is the consumption of "the chemical" still a problem in Cuba?
The consumption of "the chemical" persists due to its low cost and easy access. Although authorities have made efforts to control its distribution, the drug continues to circulate in peripheral neighborhoods and school spaces. Furthermore, the absence of a comprehensive policy that includes prevention, education, and rehabilitation contributes to the ongoing problem. The government response has mainly focused on repression, which many consider insufficient to effectively address the crisis.
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