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Two Cuban citizens received 15-year prison sentences after being found guilty of drug-related offenses in a trial held in the First Criminal Chamber of the Provincial People's Court of Artemisa, according to official information.
The accused were tried in case 416 of 2025, a criminal procedure deemed by the authorities as "exemplary." With this type of trial, the Cuban regime aims to deter citizens from committing serious crimes, in this case, those associated with drug trafficking and substances with similar effects, a phenomenon that has escalated to alarming levels in the country.
According to the note from the Provincial Court of Artemisa, the two individuals charged traveled to Havana with the aim of obtaining the synthetic cannabinoid commonly known as "químico" or "papelito."
After purchasing the product, they were detained on the street by drug enforcement officers. Both had in their possession five paper wrappers containing synthetic cannabinoid 5-fluoro ADB, weighing 1.74 grams. This amount guarantees at least 2,200 doses; and for each of these, two to three people can consume, according to the statement.
According to the authorities, the evidence presented during the trial demonstrated the defendants' responsibility for a crime related to illegal drugs or substances that produce similar effects. However, the official note does not clarify whether they were convicted of possession, trafficking, or both offenses.
The names of the defendants were not published, nor the date when the events occurred.
In addition to the criminal penalty, both individuals were imposed additional measures of deprivation of rights and a prohibition on leaving the country.
Both the defendants and the prosecution have the option to file an appeal for cassation if they are not satisfied with the ruling, the note emphasized.
According to the court, during the investigation of the case and in the oral trial, the established procedural guarantees were upheld and due process was respected, as stipulated by the Constitution of the Republic and the Criminal Procedure Law.
The statement underscored the harmful impact of drug trafficking on society and families, as well as the health consequences of its consumption.
"The consumption of narcotics, such as marijuana and the synthetic cannabinoids derived from it, significantly impacts the health of users, causing, among other issues, organic and psychological damage such as alterations to the cardiopulmonary system and cognitive processes (attention, concentration, memory), depression, psychosis, anxiety; highlighting that children, adolescents, and young people are particularly vulnerable," he emphasized.
Drug trafficking and consumption in Cuba has increased to unprecedented levels in recent years.
Authorities have admitted that at least 40 variants of synthetic cannabinoids are circulating on the island, which are low-cost and highly profitable, and their consumption disproportionately impacts the youth.
Despite the regime's intensification of police operations and the tightening of criminal sentences—actions framed within its "zero tolerance" policy against drugs—both the sale and consumption of narcotics continue to rise in the country, demonstrating that the government's strategy is inadequate.
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