Related videos:
Five inmates at the "Ariza" prison facility, located in the municipality of Rodas in Cienfuegos, have been sentenced to additional prison terms of up to 15 years after being caught in possession of diphendydramine, an antihistamine that causes drowsiness and is considered to have effects similar to those of drugs.
The First Criminal Chamber of the Provincial People's Tribunal of Cienfuegos conducted public oral hearings, with the presence of other inmates, family members of the defendants, and officials from the Prisons Authority, reported the state newspaper 5 de Septiembre.
During the process, the judges determined the guilt of the accused Rafael Torreinte Sarría, Alfredo Luis Limonte Rodríguez, Yoelsy Correa Garcés, Dany Osmel Salgado Ordóñez and Reina Milian Yane.
The sentences imposed range from six to 15 years of imprisonment, according to Article 235.1 of the Penal Code, the source details.
In addition, the accused were penalized with the loss of political and civil rights, including a ban on holding leadership positions and leaving the country until they serve their sentence, the newspaper explains.
According to Resolution 25/2022 of the Ministry of Public Health, diphendydramine, also known as benadryl, is included in the list of controlled substances, despite being an over-the-counter antihistamine in many countries.
In prison environments, its use without medical supervision can be considered substance abuse due to its sedative effects, which led to its treatment as an illicit drug in this case, the regime argued.
The Cuban Penal Code establishes penalties for the possession and trafficking of controlled substances, which can lead to sentences of up to 30 years in prison, life imprisonment, or even the death penalty.
Frequently Asked Questions About Convictions for Possession of Controlled Medications and the Cuban Regime
Why were the inmates in Cienfuegos sentenced to additional time in prison?
The five inmates in Cienfuegos were sentenced to up to 15 additional years in prison for possession of Diphenhydramine, a controlled medication in Cuba due to its drug-like effects. The possession of this substance is considered a serious crime in the country, which resulted in the severe sentences imposed.
What does article 235.1 of the Cuban Penal Code establish about the possession of controlled substances?
Article 235.1 of the Cuban Penal Code imposes severe penalties for the possession and trafficking of controlled substances, which may include sentences of up to 30 years in prison, life imprisonment, or even the death penalty. This legal framework reflects the regime's zero-tolerance policy towards drug trafficking and substances with similar effects.
Why is Diphenhydramine strictly regulated in Cuba?
Diphenhydramine is strictly regulated in Cuba because, although it is an over-the-counter antihistamine in many countries, in the Cuban context, its sedative effects are considered prone to abuse, similar to the use of illicit drugs. This has resulted in its inclusion on the list of controlled substances by the Ministry of Public Health.
Filed under: