Cuba, historically known for its relatively low crime rates compared to many other Latin American countries, has recently seen a rise in various forms of criminal activity including drug dealing, manufacture, and gang actity involving weapons of various types.
Several factors contribute to this uptick, including economic difficulties exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, political unrest, and ongoing shortages of basic goods. These conditions have created an environment where theft and other petty crimes have become more common, especially in urban areas.
Another factor, officials are now forced to acknowledge, is drugs.
A young woman named Samantha Gonzalez spoke to the BBC after her brother was killed in gang violence for no apparent reason.
She said“So many young people have been killed this year.”
“The violence is getting out of hand. They’re basically gangs, and they fall out with each other as gangs. That’s where it’s all coming from, these killings and deaths of young people.”
They often solve their quarrels with knives and machetes, she says.
“Almost no-one settles an argument with their fists anymore. It’s all knives, machetes, even guns. Things I just don’t understand,” her voice trails off.
The situation has been worsened by a new drug in Cuba called “quimico” – a cheap chemical high with a cannabis base. Samantha says that it’s increasingly popular among Cuban youth in the parks and on the streets.
The rise of “químico” use in Cuba is partly due to the economic struggles on the island, which make it harder for people to access more expensive or traditional drugs. As a result, users turn to these cheaper synthetic alternatives, which are often smuggled into the country or manufactured from chemicals that are more accessible.
While violent crime remains relatively low compared to other nations in the region, there are growing concerns about the increase in property crime, such as burglaries and robberies.
Economic hardships have significantly worsened in Cuba, especially following the tightening of U.S. sanctions and the decline in tourism due to the pandemic. With limited access to goods and services, many Cubans have turned to black market activities or petty crime as a means of survival.
Theft of items like food, household goods, and electronics has become more prevalent. In some areas, people report increased instances of break-ins and snatch-and-grab robberies. The government has responded with increased police presence, but the overall feeling of insecurity persists in certain communities.
The political climate in Cuba also plays a role in the current crime situation.
The July 2021 protests, which saw thousands of Cubans taking to the streets to demand better living conditions and political freedoms, marked a significant moment of unrest. While the protests were largely peaceful, they highlighted the growing frustrations within the population.
In the aftermath, crackdowns on dissent and public demonstrations have contributed to a general sense of unease. Some argue that this political tension indirectly contributes to criminal activity, as citizens feel increasingly disillusioned with the government’s ability to address their needs.
Violent crime in Cuba remains relatively low compared to countries like Venezuela or Honduras.
However, there have been isolated reports of violent incidents, often linked to organized crime or drug trafficking. The island’s geographical location makes it a transit point for narcotics moving from South America to the United States, which poses challenges for law enforcement.
While the Cuban government has traditionally maintained strict control over drug-related activities, some experts believe that an increase in smuggling operations could lead to more violent confrontations between criminal groups.
In conclusion, while Cuba is not facing a full-blown crime crisis, things are not like they used to be in the Communist controlled island, which used to be able to boast about being one of the safest places on earth.
Sources: BBC, 04.