Topic: 2024-Substance Abuse
Country: Cuba
Delegate Name: Emily Ochieng
WHO
Cuba
Emily Ochieng
Topic B: Substance Abuse
Cannabis and Cocaine are the two most consumed drugs in Cuba. Cuba is often used as a key drug trafficking route for transporting drugs from Central America to the US by boat or air. Some of that Cocaine transported through Cuba makes its way to the U.S. and can partially account for the 29,918 deaths just this past year.
Cuba’s increased transportation of drugs really started occurring in the late 90’s, where Cuban officials stated that’s when its entrepreneurs “discovered how much that’s[cocaine]worth.” More recently, however, drugs in Cuba have been affecting its youth, with Cuba stating that its youth is “the most vulnerable group.” Cuba has a strict policy on drugs and can punish the possession or trafficking of illicit drugs with 4-30 years in prison, life sentencing, or the death penalty. Though Cuba has taken a tough control on drugs, it has also stated earlier this year that illegal drug use is rising.
Cuba would like to see a decrease in drug usage among the youth as it prides itself in the control of illicit traffic and usage of narcotics. Cuba looks forward to aligning itself with other nations with like-minded goals in stopping the spread of substance abuse.
