Trafficking and selling drugs is not tolerated in Cuba and is not a socially accepted practice. As a result, the sale and use of hard drugs are severely penalized in Cuba. Upon arrival at the international airport, trained dogs sniff out contraband from tourist luggage. Drug smuggling is considered a high crime. There is very little that the U.S. interest section can do to assist U.S. citizens caught smuggling, selling or consuming hard drugs.
Alcohol use is prevalent in Cuba.
Alcohol abuse and alcoholism is not viewed upon favorably in Cuba, especially for women, and is something that program participants should avoid. Cigarette and cigar smoking is permitted in all public spaces. The program participants spend a few days in Santiago de Cuba, a city located on the eastern side of the island, facing the Caribbean sea. Participants should exercise the same safety measures as they would in Havana. There is some panhandling from people asking for things like soap, small change or toilet articles.