The lawyer Manuel Viera, widely known on Facebook for his commentary on Cuban reality and his criticisms of the government, has expressed deep concern over the surge of drug activity in the country. Viera shared a report from CiberCuba featuring activist Alberto Turís Betancourt Pérez, who took to the streets on Wednesday to protest against drug sales in his neighborhood, Jesús María, in Old Havana.
In his message, Viera highlighted that the rise of drugs in Cuba is an undeniable reality, a well-known secret among the populace. "Cuba today is flooded with drugs, and a chemical substance costs less than a soda. There are neighborhoods where there's a dealer on every block, sometimes two. For those of us with teenage children, the worry keeps us up at night whenever they go out. Drugs not only hook them, but they also dumb them down, and can even kill them while promoting violence," he said.
Viera recounted that a friend of his bought a house in the Buena Vista area of the Playa municipality 15 days ago, but she is already selling it because she discovered that the neighborhood is saturated with drugs. "Sector chiefs know every dissident in their area, every confused individual, and where every potential offender and convict lives. So why don't they know where each trafficker, distributor, seller, producer, and consumer lives? The question, in the face of this rampant evil, is... what is being done to eradicate it?" he questioned.
Last Wednesday, activist Betancourt Pérez took to the streets with a sign in each hand, shouting that drugs such as chemical substances, crack, and heroin are sold on his block: Gloria, between Carmen and Rastro. "The regime's complicity is evident; the police do not act, mothers are tired of having their things stolen, the people are dying, and no one cares," he expressed. "They are mercilessly destroying Cuba's youth. A 'chemical' costs less than a soda. They get high every day, they live for it, enough is enough," he emphasized.
The protester emphasized that his life might be in danger because he is no longer just speaking out against the regime but against all the criminality that sells drugs without any repercussions.
Drug Issues in Cuba: Questions and Answers
Given the alarming rise in drug activity in Cuba, many are left with pressing questions about the situation. Here are some important questions and answers on this topic.
What are the main drugs being sold in Cuban neighborhoods?
The main drugs being sold include chemical substances, crack, and heroin.
Why is the Cuban government not taking action against drug dealers?
There is a widespread belief that the regime is complicit, as the police have not taken significant action against drug dealers.
How are Cuban families affected by the drug problem?
Cuban families, especially those with teenagers, are deeply worried about their children's safety and the potential for addiction and violence.