By Wilnard Bacelonia
MANILA – The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Tuesday cautioned that some vape products circulating in the country may contain the same synthetic cannabinoid components earlier found in so-called “Tuklaw” cigarettes.
During the budget hearing of the agency, PDEA chief Undersecretary Isagani Nerez said laboratory tests conducted in the Philippines and Singapore both confirmed that “Tuklaw” cigarettes contained a harmful chemical already listed by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and included in the Dangerous Drugs Board’s (DDB) classification of prohibited substances.
“Since we released our advisory, its circulation here has lessened. But now, we found out that the cannabinoid, the component of Tuklaw, is already present in vape products,” Nerez said, adding that further research is ongoing to verify the link.
Nerez assured the Senate that once confirmed, PDEA would request the DDB to issue the corresponding board resolution.
DDB executive director Undersecretary Earl Saavedra and officer in charge chairperson, Undersecretary Armando Ramolete said the chemical mimics cannabis and is therefore considered a dangerous drug.
They noted that a board resolution to formalize its listing is set to be signed soon after being delayed by recent typhoons.
Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who presided over the budget deliberation, asked if possession of Tuklaw cigarettes is already punishable under Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).
Nerez replied in the affirmative, saying the substance is now under the law’s prohibited drugs.
Dela Rosa also urged the agencies to continue their information drive.
“Kahit medyo nawawala na ang balita tungkol diyan, tuloy pa din ‘yung public information drive ninyo para sa mga bata na ma-aware (Even if reports about it have died down, continue your information drive so that children will be aware),” he said.
Tuklaw, a brand of black-flavored cigarettes reportedly sourced from Vietnam, has gained notoriety for containing synthetic cannabinoids that trigger severe adverse effects, including convulsions.
Authorities earlier issued advisories against its sale and use after confiscations in tourist areas. (PNA)
