Alarming Spread of Drug Known as "The Chemical" Raises Epidemic Concerns in Cuba

This past Friday, a Facebook user shared alarming footage showing a young man sprawled on the sidewalk in a Havana neighborhood, visibly affected by the drug known as "The Chemical." Onier Ortega Pérez, who according to his profile works at Habaguanex and lives in the capital, posted a video of the individual lying on the curb, appearing intoxicated by the substance. Ortega Pérez referred to the situation as an "epidemic."

The video was recorded on Egido Street, in Old Havana. "Why is the State so reluctant to admit that this has become an epidemic and declare an emergency? Why don't they at least broadcast on television or in official media about how to provide first aid to those who are intoxicated? Many people want to help but are afraid or unsure of what to do," Ortega Pérez expressed in his post.

The rise in usage of "The Chemical" has stirred concern across Cuba due to its severe impacts on the physical and mental health of young people. Cuban medical professionals have identified the drug as part of the synthetic cannabinoid family, designed to mimic marijuana’s effects, yet they are significantly more potent and hazardous.

Commenters on Ortega Pérez's post noted that scenes similar to the one depicted are common, with Cubans experiencing convulsions or hallucinations after consuming the drug. Some speculated whether the regime itself could have introduced the drug as a means of societal disruption.

"Just as the state imposes poverty on its citizens, this epidemic might also be the handiwork of some of its members as a distraction tactic where, as usual, the people are the biggest losers," one user suggested. Another user referenced statements by Nayib Bukele, the Salvadoran president, who acknowledged that such illicit activities allow corrupt governments to circulate large sums of money.

A commentator further explained that the severe effects of "The Chemical" could be attributed to a combination of substances, including formaldehyde and anesthetics mixed with cannabis. "They mix formaldehyde, sold in funeral homes, with tea bags, cigarette scraps, and even park grass, often combined with anesthesia that is only found in hospitals," they wrote.

Government Measures Against Drug Trafficking

The steady stream of reports from independent media about the spread of "The Chemical" and the government's lack of action has pushed the regime to respond. This week, officials announced the formation of the National Drug Observatory (OND), an institution focused on monitoring drug-related activities on the island, particularly the emergence of new psychoactive substances and trends in drug use and trafficking.

According to a Granma newspaper report, the project, led by the Ministry of Justice, will be rolled out in 2025, featuring an Early Warning System to quickly identify new drugs and mitigate related risks. Recent months have seen increased police and customs enforcement, particularly at airports and high-traffic areas for narcotics.

In 2024, authorities reported the seizure of 1,051 kilograms of drugs, primarily cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, and cannabinoids. Additionally, 1,157 individuals were prosecuted for drug trafficking-related offenses that year.

The Cuban government primarily addresses drug consumption as a public order issue, prompting announcements of measures to combat it, such as a recent crackdown in several Havana neighborhoods. In December 2024, several "exemplary trials" concerning drug trafficking took place, resulting in sentences of up to 15 years for possession and distribution of small amounts of drugs.