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International media reported that the Cuban government prevented access to foreign journalists during the so-called community debates organized in neighborhoods across the island as part of the official campaign against the consumption of "the chemical", a low-cost synthetic drug that has rapidly spread in recent years.
The chemical, made from psychotropics and anesthetics for human and veterinary use, has caused alarming scenes throughout the country, where young people under its effects walk like zombies, disoriented and with a loss of coordination. Specialists warn that a dose can be up to one hundred times more potent than cannabis.
In response to the growth of the phenomenon, the regime tightened sanctions against traffickers and launched a preventive campaign in December in communities deemed vulnerable.
However, the agency AFP reported that the international press was not granted permission to attend the meetings, officially known as barriodebates, which has been interpreted as an attempt to control the narrative surrounding the crisis.
“No official figures are available, but the situation has become unmanageable,” said the evangelical pastor Rotyam Castro, who runs an independent rehabilitation center in Havana.
According to their experience, consumption affects not only young people from marginalized neighborhoods, but also artists, musicians, and professionals, the media outlet noted, which conducted an in-depth report on the issue.
The exclusion of foreign journalists contrasts with the need for transparency regarding a phenomenon that affects thousands of Cuban families and which has already caused social alarm both on the island and abroad.
Meanwhile, community initiatives like that of Pastor Castro attempt to fill the gap by offering drug-free detox programs based on prayer, workshops, and collective work.
The reported censorship strengthens the criticisms directed at the Cuban government for its policy of opacity regarding social issues and public health, at a time when the "chemical" crisis is compounded by the country's challenging economic and social situation.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Synthetic Drug Crisis in Cuba
What is "the chemical" and why is it so dangerous?
"The chemical" is a synthetic drug composed of synthetic cannabinoids along with highly toxic substances such as fentanyl, formaldehyde, and anesthetics for animals. These ingredients make its effects seriously harmful to health, with reactions that can include seizures, extreme hallucinations, and irreversible neurological damage. Furthermore, it is up to one hundred times more potent than THC in marijuana, making it an extremely dangerous drug even in small doses.
How is the Cuban government confronting the "chemical" crisis?
The Cuban government has primarily adopted a repressive strategy, with large police operations and exemplary trials against those who traffic and consume these drugs. However, these measures are deemed insufficient as they do not address the underlying causes of the problem. Furthermore, the punitive approach is not complemented by public health policies, prevention, or rehabilitation, which limits its effectiveness in mitigating the social and health impact of the crisis.
Why does the international press report censorship in community debates in Cuba?
International media have reported that the Cuban government prevented foreign journalists from accessing community discussions on the consumption of the "chemical." This exclusion is interpreted as an attempt by the Cuban regime to control the narrative surrounding the drug crisis on the island. The lack of transparency and media censorship reinforce criticisms against the government for its opaque policies on social and public health issues.
What is the social impact of the "químico" on the Cuban population?
The drug "el químico" has had a devastating impact on Cuban society. It affects not only young people from marginalized neighborhoods but also artists, musicians, and professionals. Its consumption has led to an increase in violent incidents, induced psychosis, and self-destructive behaviors, creating social alarm and affecting thousands of families. The situation is compounded by the lack of adequate institutional response and the normalization of drug use in many communities.
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