5 students arrested for being alleged source of ‘tuklaw’ in Puerto Princesa

Authorities arrested five students who were the alleged source of “tuklaw” or black cigarettes that were used by three youngsters and caused seizures in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

According to Jun Veneracion’s report in “24 Oras” on Thursday, the suspects arrested in a buy-bust operation were aged between 19 to 25.

“Ito kasing nahuli natin is the identified source of the tuklaw na may synthetic cannabinoid nga dito sa Puerto Princesa,” said Police Col. Cristine Tabdi, Puerto Princesa City Police Station acting director.

(These people we arrested were identified as the source of tuklaw containing synthetic cannabinoid here in Puerto Princesa.)

Aside from synthetic cannabinoid, authorities also seized marijuana from the suspects during the operation.

The suspects are now facing charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

GMA Integrated News is trying to get comments from the suspects.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said that it is still looking for other suspects behind the proliferation of “tuklaw” in the country.

“Marami pa ang ating tinitingnan na mga tao at sisiguraduhin nating na hindi ito maglipana pa,” said PNP chief  Gen. Nicolas Torre III.

(We are looking into several individuals and we will make sure that these will no longer proliferate.)

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency earlier said that the synthetic cannabinoid found in the “tuklaw” puffed by several individuals in separate incidents in Quezon City and Palawan caused their seizures.

Investigation by the PNP showed that “tuklaw” is being sold by the suspects online. One milliliter of synthetic cannabinoid is being sold for P300. But the police are still investigating where the suspects get their supply, the report said.

“May mga illicit trading routes na tinitignan natin na maaring pinagdadaanan ng mga substance na ito,” said Torre.

(We are looking into illicit trading routes where these substances pass through.)

Further, the PNP warned minors from trying “tuklaw” and other illegal drugs.

“Walang mabuting idudulot sa inyo ‘yan. Ang bottomline lang diyan, wala pa akong nakitang adik na maganda at gwapo….Tignan niyo ang before and after, artista napakaganda, na-adik, tignan mo itsura,” said Torre.

(It will not do you anything good. The bottomline here is I haven’t seen any addicts who look good…Just look at the before and after of celebrities, an actress used to be beautiful but she changed after becoming an addict.) — Vince Angelo Ferreras/BAP, GMA Integrated News