In Cumanayagua, a municipality within Cienfuegos province, Cuban authorities recently dismantled an illegal pharmacy dealing in controlled medications. According to the pro-government platform Las Cosas de Fernanda, a police raid uncovered a significant stash of pharmaceuticals within a residence allegedly used for their illicit sale.
Among the seized items were domestically produced drugs, some with hallucinogenic properties, which are strictly regulated and intended for sale only with a medical prescription. The official narrative suggested that these products were sold at exorbitant prices, a justification for the police intervention. However, this account neglects to address the underlying issue: a chronic shortage of medicines in state-run pharmacies, which fuels the demand for such clandestine operations.
“The war has been declared with zero tolerance,” the publication stated, referring to the regime’s strategy against the illegal sale and consumption of drugs and substances deemed as narcotics. In Cuba, where state pharmacies frequently lack essential medications, informal distribution networks have emerged to meet these needs, often operating outside the law and at prices unaffordable for most citizens.
Since early 2025, Cuban authorities have ramped up a national crackdown on the illegal drug trade, conducting numerous police operations across the island. In February, a hidden pharmaceutical arsenal in Manzanillo, Granma province, was unearthed. The raid exposed large quantities of antibiotics, painkillers, surgical supplies, syringes, controlled medications, gloves, catheters, and IV fluids, all devoid of legal documentation.
A month later, a young man was apprehended in the streets of Old Havana, caught selling medications such as amoxicillin, enalapril, paracetamol, permethrin, and clobetasol. The operation, led by the Ministry of the Interior, was framed as part of a "zero tolerance" policy, yet it failed to address the systemic shortages that drive this underground market.
That same month in Holguín, another operation resulted in the arrest of an individual in possession of controlled medications, including psychotropics like amitriptyline and trifluoperazine, which are regulated due to their similarity to narcotics. Authorities linked this seizure to the broader fight against drug trafficking, highlighting the addictive potential of the products being sold.
Most recently in Pinar del Río, a provincial hospital nurse and an accomplice were detained after being caught with medical supplies and drugs stolen from the healthcare facility. Among the confiscated items were ampules, blister packs, syringes, and creams used in hospital treatments. This case has sparked public outrage over the number of patients potentially deprived of medical care due to the systematic diversion of healthcare resources.
Understanding Cuba's Pharmaceutical Challenges
Why are illegal pharmacies emerging in Cuba?
Illegal pharmacies are emerging in Cuba primarily due to the severe shortage of medications in state-run pharmacies, driving people to seek alternatives despite the legal risks.
What measures are Cuban authorities taking against illegal drug sales?
Cuban authorities have launched a series of nationwide crackdowns on illegal drug sales, involving police raids and arrests, as part of a "zero tolerance" policy against the illicit drug trade.
How does the shortage of legal medications impact Cuban citizens?
The scarcity of legal medications in Cuba forces many citizens to turn to informal networks, often paying high prices for essential drugs, which exacerbates health disparities and financial burdens.