A Cuban influencer has taken to social media to highlight a distressing reality facing the island's youth: the availability of drugs like "el químico" has surpassed that of basic food staples. "How can we expect anything positive when our young people can access these substances more easily than their basic nourishment?" the content creator, known on TikTok as @cuba.live2, asked.
In his post, he revealed that the price of such drugs ranges from 100 to 350 pesos, varying by location and the effects they have. In stark contrast, everyday items like a pizza cost around 180 to 200 pesos, while essential foods such as rice, eggs, or milk have reached exorbitant prices, making them unaffordable for many families.
The influencer warns of a troubling rise in drug consumption among young Cubans, citing figures from the newspaper Granma which show the average starting age for drug use dropping from 17-20 years in 2023 to just 13-14 years by 2024. This means many children are experimenting with illegal substances during their eighth or ninth grade of basic secondary school.
Central Havana: A Hub of Concern
Central Havana, one of the island's most densely populated areas and heavily impacted by the economic crisis, is highlighted as a major focal point of this issue. "The lack of opportunities and the rising cost of essential goods have not only encouraged drug trafficking but also deteriorated the mental health of our youth," the influencer emphasized.
Public spaces in Central Havana, where children, teenagers, and young adults gather to skate, dance, or simply meet, have become mirrors of this alarming situation. While many seek recreational alternatives, the absence of financial resources and opportunities leaves them vulnerable to illicit activities.
The message concludes with a call to attention regarding the structural crisis impacting Cuban youth, where economic, social, and mental factors converge to worsen the plight of a generation trapped in precariousness.
Alarming Scenes and Law Enforcement Efforts
In recent months, shocking scenes of young Cubans affected by the consumption of "el químico" have gone viral on social media, causing widespread concern. These images show convulsions, desperate screams, and reckless behavior, underscoring the severity of this issue.
The official platform CubaDebate has documented the devastating impact of this substance on young Cubans, sharing poignant stories from those undergoing rehabilitation, reflecting the immense struggle against addiction on the island.
Recent law enforcement operations in Havana have resulted in several arrests related to the sale of illegal substances, including marijuana and the notorious "el químico." According to the official Facebook profile "La Página de Mauro Torres 2.0," one such operation took place at the intersection of 20 de Mayo and Amenidad, near Ditú del Cerro, leading to the arrest of a man identified as Marcelo.
Last September, a total of 22 individuals were apprehended in Havana for selling the synthetic drug in "paper form," commonly known as "el químico." As reported by the state media, these arrests occurred in the Zamora - Coco Solo Council of the Marianao municipality in the Cuban capital.
The Crisis of Drug Availability vs. Food Scarcity in Cuba
Why is "el químico" more accessible to Cuban youth than food?
The economic crisis in Cuba has led to skyrocketing prices of basic foods, making them unaffordable for many families. Meanwhile, drugs like "el químico" have become more readily available and cheaper, creating a dangerous situation for the youth.
What impact is drug use having on Cuban youth?
The rising use of drugs among young Cubans is leading to serious health issues, mental health deterioration, and a drop in the age at which children begin experimenting with drugs, sometimes as young as 13 or 14 years old.
How have authorities responded to the drug crisis in Cuba?
Authorities in Havana have conducted operations resulting in arrests related to the sale of "el químico" and other illegal substances, as they attempt to curb the spread of drug use among the population.