Authorities seized ‘chemical’ and cocaine, along with cash
14ymedio, Madrid, September 17, 2026 / Agents from the Ministry of the Interior detained 13 people on Tuesday in Centro Habana, allegedly linked to drug trafficking. The operation continued this Wednesday with searches of at least six residences, five of them in the Los Sitios neighborhood, specifically on Reina Street, between Campanario and Lealtad.
During the operation, police seized 184 strips, two ID-card-sized cutouts, and half a letter-size sheet apparently impregnated with synthetic cannabinoids, along with phones and cash in both national currency and dollars. In addition, according to the information, several packets of cocaine reportedly turned up – a drug historically less prevalent on the island because of its higher cost. However, the government acknowledges that it is the narcotic that arrives most on the island, coming from washed-up packages – drug parcels thrown into the sea by boats being pursued by border patrols.
During the operation, police seized 184 strips, two ID-card-sized cutouts, and half a letter-size sheet apparently impregnated with synthetic cannabinoid
During 2025, authorities seized a total of 507 kilos, of which cocaine accounted for the largest share. They did not break down the quantities, but did mention the entry, also by air and across borders, of 27 kilos of all types of substances, including cocaine, synthetic cannabinoids, and methamphetamines. Chemical remains the drug that generates the most concern among authorities and the public, since its low prices have made its use widespread, especially in highly marginalized sectors of the population.
The neighborhood where yesterday’s search took place is precisely among those areas. In Los Sitios and Colón – where a residence was also visited – overcrowded tenement buildings and vacant lots abound. There, this Wednesday, 14ymedio took a striking photo showing two young men lying on the ground showing signs of having used this cheap cannabinoid.
In Los Sitios and Colón – where a residence was also visited – overcrowded tenement buildings and vacant lots abound
The neighborhood also has severe water supply problems and an environment conducive to illegality, ranging from bolita (an illegal lottery) to the sale and use of drugs.
Information about the operation has been disclosed through channels close to the government, although there has been no formal statement from the Ministry of the Interior. According to these accounts, “the investigation remains open and further searches or arrests are not ruled out, so the number of people implicated could rise in the coming hours. To date, no expanded official report on the case has been released.”
Translated by GH
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