The increasing availability of cheap, synthetic drugs in Cuba has led to a surge in drug use, largely due to a deepening economic crisis, shortages of basic goods and the emergence of low-cost synthetic drugs. The primary threat is the “químico” (chemical) cocktail of synthetic cannabinoids and hazardous additives, known as “papelitos” or “little papers” which are often consumed at around 250 Cuban pesos per hit (50 cents), which costs less than a basic loaf of bread or a can of soda. Cuba's Ministry of Health and several state agencies established a National Drug Observatory to research, monitor and mitigate the impact of illegal drugs on the island. Despite Cuba's zero-tolerance policy on drugs, drug trafficking is punishable by up to life imprisonment. The country is not a drug-producing or stockpiling country, but acknowledges it is not immune to drug use.