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Cuban Mother Raises Alarm with Viral Images of "Chemical" Drug's Impact on Local Youth

Saturday, July 12, 2025 by Oscar Fernandez

Annie Zúñiga, a Cuban mother known on social media, has stirred public concern by sharing a video highlighting the alarming deterioration of young people in her neighborhood affected by a drug commonly referred to as "the chemical." Captured from her own doorstep, these images have rapidly spread across digital platforms, intensifying worries about the surge of synthetic drug use in Cuban communities.

"This is the corner of my house, and 24/7, this is what I see from my porch," Zúñiga states in the video. "Young people, all young... they're lost." Her concern is palpable as she explains why she has forbidden her young children from playing outside, given the current unsafe environment.

Zúñiga's testimony highlights her knowledge of the local dealers, expressing fear of potential backlash for exposing a situation that, she claims, the community has come to accept as normal. "The saddest part is that Cubans have normalized this situation. We see it every day, and no one does anything about it," she laments, questioning the collective silence and the lack of action from local authorities.

Referred to as "the chemical," this synthetic drug is both inexpensive and easily accessible. Reports indicate it's concocted from a dangerous mix of toxic substances like formaldehyde, solvents, and dried herbs. Its use is linked to seizures, erratic behavior, loss of consciousness, and irreversible brain damage.

Although Zúñiga doesn't disclose her neighborhood's name, the scene she describes could easily be mirrored in other urban areas across Cuba, where citizen complaints about rising drug traffic and inadequate institutional response are becoming more frequent. Her post has garnered significant support on social media, with many applauding her courage in bringing attention to an increasingly common issue.

The consumption of this narcotic is associated with a spike in violent incidents, drug-induced psychosis, and self-destructive behavior. Despite law enforcement efforts to conduct raids and arrests related to this drug's distribution, its availability remains high due to its low cost and distribution networks in schools, peripheral neighborhoods, and informal channels.

Understanding the Impact of "The Chemical" Drug in Cuba

What is "the chemical" drug?

"The chemical" is a low-cost synthetic drug made from a mixture of toxic substances like formaldehyde, solvents, and dried herbs, known for causing severe health effects.

How does "the chemical" affect users?

Users of "the chemical" may experience seizures, erratic behavior, loss of consciousness, and possibly irreversible brain damage.

Why is "the chemical" drug so prevalent in Cuba?

Its prevalence is due to its low cost and the ease of distribution through informal networks and in areas such as schools and peripheral neighborhoods.

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