A man named Yorquis Cabrera Santana was taken into custody in Matanzas following a raid at his residence. Authorities discovered 30 pieces of paper soaked with synthetic cannabinoid—commonly referred to as "the chemical"—alongside a large sum of cash.
The Facebook page "Con Todos La Victoria," associated with the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) in the province, reported on Sunday that the suspect remains detained while investigations and forensic analyses are completed. Cabrera Santana will face legal proceedings once these are concluded.
Written in the typical triumphalist tone of regime-aligned propaganda profiles, the publication highlights that Cabrera Santana has a criminal record for sexual assault, which could worsen his legal predicament.
"Con Todos La Victoria" is among the MININT-supported pages that boast about police operations on social media, often using political slogans and lacking independent evidence or verifiable procedural information.
As of now, this alleged crime has not been independently confirmed through other means.
Rising Crackdown on Synthetic Cannabinoid Trafficking
The case is part of a broader crackdown by the regime on synthetic cannabinoid trafficking, which has led to prison sentences ranging from four to 15 years across the island.
Medical emergencies due to "the chemical" doubled between 2024 and 2025, increasing from 467 to 886 cases, according to official figures.
At least 40 variants of these substances circulate in Cuba, some of which are adulterated with fentanyl, formaldehyde, animal anesthetics, and phenobarbital.
These low-cost, high-profit substances have become one of the most targeted and consumed by the youth.
Last year, prosecutor Fernando Sera Plana warned about evolving methods of synthetic cannabinoid introduction and distribution, noting that these substances can be smuggled into the country in unconventional forms, such as paper.
He specified that a dose as small as 0.01 grams can fetch up to 300 pesos, and unlike previous trends, the trafficking now flows from Havana to Holguín.
Matanzas: A Hotspot for Criminal Activity
Matanzas leads the country in criminal incidents, recording 503 verified offenses in 2025, the highest in Cuba.
Judicial repression surrounding this drug has resulted in harsh sentences in recent months.
The Holguín Tribunal handed down an eight-year prison sentence to a man for trafficking just 11 pieces of "chemical" paper, while the Granma Tribunal issued a seven-year sentence to a young man found with two paper pieces and cash.
The latter's sentence included seven years of incarceration, additional penalties stripping certain rights, and the seizure of items related to the crime.
FAQs on Synthetic Cannabinoid Trafficking in Cuba
What are the legal consequences of synthetic cannabinoid trafficking in Cuba?
Trafficking of synthetic cannabinoids in Cuba can result in prison sentences ranging from four to 15 years, depending on the severity and circumstances of the case.
How have synthetic cannabinoids impacted public health in Cuba?
Synthetic cannabinoids have led to a significant increase in medical emergencies, with cases doubling from 467 to 886 between 2024 and 2025.
Why is Matanzas a focal point for criminal activities in Cuba?
Matanzas recorded the highest number of verified criminal offenses in the country in 2025, making it a hotspot for illicit activities.