Seizure-causing 'tuklaw’ cigarettes surrendered to PDEA

 The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) got its hands on the black cigarettes known locally as “tuklaw” following the separate incidents wherein users experienced seizures or turned violent.

According to Jun Veneracion’s exclusive report in “24 Oras” on Tuesday, the samples of “tuklaw” were turned over to PDEA by several men who declined to be identified out of fear. 

“Kung saan nila nakuha, iba-iba yung mga nababanggit nila. ‘Yung iba sabi nakukuha nila online, may iba bigay daw ng kaibigan. So lahat ng ito ay bina-backtrack investigation natin,” said PDEA spokesperson Joseph Frederick Calulut. 

(Where they got it, they mention different sources. Some say they got it online, others say these was given by friends. So we are backtracking all of these in our investigation) 

Laboratory test results showed that the surrendered pieces of “tuklaw” were also found containing synthetic cannabinoid - the similar chemical mixed into the “tuklaw” used in earlier incidents in Palawan and Quezon City. 

“Kung mahina-hina ang katawan ng tao, it could be eventually lead to death,” said Calulut. 

(If a person's body is not that strong, it could eventually lead to death.) 

Further, the PDEA is already monitoring websites where online sale of “tuklaw” is proliferating. But they are still getting enough evidence before conducting a buy bust operation, the report added. 

“Ayan yung kailangan din bantayan ng mga courier services na baka magamit din sila for illicit activities,” said Calulut. 

(That's what courier services also need to watch out for, as they might be used for illicit activities.) — Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA Integrated News