On Friday, the Cuban Ministry of the Interior (Minint) highlighted a police operation in the Rampa Popular Council of Havana, branding it a "decisive" action amidst a media campaign aimed at showcasing their handle on the increasing use of synthetic drugs.
The Facebook page "Héroes de Azul en Cuba," associated with Minint, reported a raid on a residence located on I Street, between 9th and 11th in the Plaza de la Revolución municipality. The National Revolutionary Police and specialized forces claimed to have seized doses of a substance known as "chemical."
The announcement failed to specify details such as the quantity of the drug found, the number of arrests, formal charges, or any procedural rights granted.
Using a triumphant tone, the message emphasized the state's "deployment capability" and "zero tolerance" policy against drug trafficking, while issuing broad warnings and calls for exemplary punishment.
In recent months, official sources have reported similar operations, all echoing the same narrative. Authorities have acknowledged the presence of at least 40 different variants of low-cost, high-profit synthetic cannabinoids in Cuba, which particularly affect young people.
Officials have warned about new methods of introduction, including drugs soaked into paper, and a shift in trafficking from Havana to eastern provinces like Holguín.
Despite this, official reports focus on isolated arrests and urge public reporting, while avoiding any discussion of potential institutional failures. They also do not explain how these substances proliferate in a country with state-controlled borders, ports, and commerce.
The government itself admits that between 2024 and December 2025, 72 drug-related operations from 11 different sources were thwarted, and penalties have been toughened, with sentences reaching up to 30 years in prison or life imprisonment in severe cases.
The focus, however, remains punitive and propagandistic. While Minint turns each operation into social media content, the social decay, economic crisis, and lack of effective preventive policies continue to fuel the spread of "chemical."
The regime's visible response seems more about maintaining an image of control on Facebook rather than implementing a comprehensive anti-drug strategy, amid growing insecurity and hopelessness on Cuba's streets.
Understanding Cuba's Drug Situation and Government Response
What was seized during the drug raid in Havana?
Authorities claimed to have seized doses of a substance referred to as "chemical," but no specifics on the quantity were provided.
How is the Cuban government addressing synthetic drug use?
The government has been focusing on punitive measures and social media propaganda, showcasing isolated arrests while failing to address institutional accountability and preventive strategies.
What challenges does Cuba face with drug trafficking?
Cuba faces challenges with the introduction of various synthetic cannabinoids, new methods of drug introduction, and the shift of trafficking routes from Havana to other provinces.