In recent crackdowns across Havana, several individuals have been taken into custody for dealing in illegal substances, including marijuana and the notorious "chemical." According to the pro-government Facebook page "La Página de Mauro Torres 2.0," one of the operations took place at the intersection of 20 de Mayo and Amenidad, near Cerro's Ditú, resulting in the arrest of a man identified as Marcelo.
A local resident reported that Marcelo was involved in trafficking both domestic and foreign marijuana, colloquially referred to as "criolla and yuma" in criminal circles. During his arrest, authorities confiscated multiple packages of marijuana, a grinder, and a significant amount of cash.
Crackdowns in Playa Municipality
The same pro-government page disclosed another operation in the Playa municipality, where additional individuals were apprehended for selling "the chemical." This incident occurred on 54th Street, between 27th and 29th.
In a second post, the page reported that during the Playa operation, several people were detained, including individuals known as Cristian and Xiomara, who were allegedly engaged in selling the much-talked-about "chemical." Neighbors revealed that the suspects were caught in a hallway in front of the old laundry.
Rayda González, a local resident, remarked that the suspects "thought they were untouchable, but their run is over. Just as three people came to buy, a black van with DTI agents arrived and caught them all. Even a month ago, another couple selling the chemical was arrested. These people never learn."
Efforts to Curb Drug Trafficking
Another pro-government page, "Héroes de azul en Cuba," reported on the same operation. It highlighted that these actions are part of a comprehensive strategy to combat drug trafficking in the country, emphasizing the cooperation between authorities and citizens in identifying sales and distribution points.
In September, authorities detained 22 individuals across Havana for selling the synthetic drug known as "the chemical," often found in a paper form. These arrests were made in the Zamora-Coco Solo Council area of Marianao in the Cuban capital.
Rising Drug Problem Among Cuban Youth
Over recent months, social media has circulated numerous videos showing young Cubans allegedly under the influence of the "chemical," a dangerous synthetic drug with unknown components. Its consumption has skyrocketed, particularly among the island's youth. The situation has become so alarming that even state-run media outlets are highlighting the severe drug addiction problem.
The Periódico 26 from Las Tunas recently featured a story of a young person who initially got hooked on pills like carbamazepine and tramadol, then marijuana, and now depends on the infamous "chemical," a synthetic drug in paper form.