The Cuban government confirmed on Wednesday a concerning increase in drug use within the country's educational institutions, attributing this rise to the greater availability of narcotics on the island.
During the official program Mesa Redonda, Colonel Juan Carlos Poey Guerra, head of the anti-drug department of the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), revealed that reports of drug-related incidents continue to be prevalent at various educational levels, with the most significant impacts seen in Basic Secondary, Technical Professional, and Pre-University schools.
In April, the government admitted the presence of narcotics among young people and acknowledged deficiencies in the control and response to this social issue.
Dr. Alejandro García Galceran, director of the Centro de Salud Mental de Centro Habana, stated in an interview with the official newspaper Granma that there has been a significant increase in the consumption of psychoactive substances in recent years, particularly among adolescents and young people, who are the most vulnerable group.
On Wednesday, popular reggaeton artist Ja Rulay surprised his followers on social media by sending a strong message to the Policía Nacional Revolucionaria (PNR), urging authorities to take drastic measures against drug trafficking. He specifically mentioned a dangerous synthetic drug known as "el químico" that is circulating on the island and affecting even teenagers.
This is not the first time the issue of drug use among minors has come to light, either intentionally or supposedly accidentally. Earlier this year, three children in Villa Clara were hospitalized after consuming marijuana candies found in trash bins at the Abel Santa María International Airport in Santa Clara.
In 2022, at least four minors studying at the sports school in the province of Artemisa were found to be using marijuana, according to the official Cuban press citing local health authorities. “Four young people under the age of 18 were using marijuana at the José de la Luz y Caballero School of Physical Education Teachers in Güira de Melena! I don’t know about you, but I was extremely alarmed by the data provided by Ireno David Esquijarrosa Cueto, an official in charge of mental health at the Provincial Public Health Directorate,” reported the local newspaper El Artemiseño on Tuesday.
In his televised address, Poey pointed to Cubans living abroad as the main culprits, stating that a study revealed the primary sources of drug infiltration come from outside the country. He added that there is a persistent intention among some community members to smuggle drugs into the national territory via air routes, using passengers, cargo, and postal shipments, combining traditional and new methods of operation and concealment, as well as triangulating operations.
The Ministry of the Interior identified the United States as the main origin of these drugs, particularly synthetic cannabinoids in various forms, which increase addiction levels and health risks, according to a report by Cubadebate.
FAQs on Rising Drug Use in Cuban Schools
With the increase in drug use among students becoming a major concern in Cuba, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers to provide more clarity on the issue.
What are the main drugs being used in Cuban schools?
The main drugs being reported include synthetic cannabinoids and other psychoactive substances, with a particularly dangerous synthetic drug known as "el químico" being highlighted.
Who is being blamed for the increase in drug availability in Cuba?
The Cuban government has pointed to Cubans living abroad, particularly those in the United States, as the main contributors to the increase in drug availability on the island.
What measures are being called for to combat this issue?
Authorities, including popular figures like reggaeton artist Ja Rulay, are urging for more drastic measures against drug trafficking to protect young people from the increasing drug threat.