Cuba Launches National Drug Observatory With Early Warning System

CUBA – Cuba has launched a National Drug Observatory to track rising drug use and trafficking on the island.

The Interior Ministry says the new tool will detect emerging substances and trends through a research network and early warning system, part of Cuba’s “zero tolerance” drug policy.

Despite harsh laws, the ministry says internal consumption is on the rise, with recent convictions including a 20-year prison sentence for marijuana cultivation.

Officials say the observatory is backed by the E.U. and aims to strengthen surveillance, even as Cuba blames the U.S. embargo for limiting cross-border cooperation.