A young man was apprehended by locals in Havana after allegedly breaking into a home to commit theft while the residents were present, in a situation filled with tension and violence.
A video shared by the website Cubanos por el Mundo captures the moment when neighborhood residents managed to stop him. The footage shows the individual, influenced by "the chemical," being caught among the rubble of a nearby collapsed building.
During the apprehension, some neighbors assaulted him, fueled by outrage over the attempted burglary. The situation escalated until a police officer, who was in the area, intervened to prevent the young man from being severely beaten and shielded him from the wrath of the residents.
The young man, visibly intoxicated and displaying clear psychological distress, was detained in an incident that, according to the mentioned source, "reveals two sides of the crisis in Cuba: on one hand, the desperation of citizens fed up with insecurity resorting to vigilante justice; on the other, a young person falling victim to 'the chemical'."
"The chemical" is a synthetic cannabinoid with potency ranging from 50 to 100 times that of marijuana, combined with fentanyl, formaldehyde, benzodiazepines, and veterinary anesthetics.
It is sold in paper doses for merely 250 Cuban pesos, cheaper than a soft drink, making it accessible even to the island's most impoverished sectors.
According to sources from the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), 90% of users become hooked from the first dose.
In 2025, over 800 individuals were admitted to emergency rooms in Havana alone due to intoxications from this drug, and authorities acknowledged 46 new formulas circulating on the streets.
The Growing Drug Crisis Among Cuban Youth
This phenomenon predominantly affects young people aged 16 to 40 in marginalized neighborhoods, with 75% concentrated in the 20 to 30 age range in municipalities like Centro Habana.
Civic insecurity exacerbates the situation: the Cuban Citizen Audit Observatory reported 2,833 verified crimes in Cuba in 2025, marking a 115% increase compared to 2024 and a 337% rise from 2023, with 1,536 thefts being the most common offense.
Havana ranked as the third most affected province, with 398 recorded cases.
The Revolutionary National Police also contends with a 20% desertion rate among its forces, fuel shortages, and lack of vehicles, prioritizing political repression over public safety.
Numerous citizen complaints indicate that Díaz-Canel's regime does not combat the spread of drugs and responds with harsh penalties for users, yet offers no genuine prevention or rehabilitation programs.
As noted by Cubanos por el Mundo, "thousands of families witness their youth in the island transition from being brave protesters to victims of a cheap drug that turns them into 'zombies,' incapable of organizing, working, or protesting."
Understanding the Impact of Drug Abuse in Cuba
What is "the chemical" and why is it so dangerous?
"The chemical" is a highly potent synthetic cannabinoid that is mixed with other dangerous substances like fentanyl and formaldehyde. Its potency makes it extremely addictive and harmful, with effects far stronger than marijuana.
How has the drug epidemic affected crime rates in Cuba?
The drug epidemic has significantly contributed to rising crime rates in Cuba, with a reported 115% increase in verified crimes from 2024 to 2025. Theft remains the most prevalent crime, heavily impacting urban areas like Havana.
What measures are being taken to address drug abuse in Cuba?
The Cuban government has been criticized for prioritizing punitive measures over effective prevention and rehabilitation programs. While harsh penalties are imposed on users, there is a lack of comprehensive strategies to combat the drug's spread.