BY VICTOR REYES
PNP chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III yesterday warned the public against smoking “Tuklaw” cigarettes, which contain synthetic cannabinoids, a controlled substance.
“This can lead to death so I would rather tell our kababayans not to fall victim. Do not try it,” Torre said in an ambush interview in Taguig City.
Torre cited the risks of smoking the cigarette which he said can lead to seizures.
“Do something else that is more productive…rather than experimenting with these illegal drugs which will destroy your life or, worse, lead to your death,” said Torre.
Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency spokesman Joseph Frederick Calulut said they discovered the presence of Tuklaw this year, specifically in Palawan and Taguig City.
“As to when it was introduced (in the country), we have no data. But as to when it was discovered, it’s only this year,” said Calulut, adding the cigarettes were probably smuggled into the country.
“It’s a cigarette laced with synthetic cannabinoids, which is a controlled substance,” said Calulut.
Torre said the PNP and other law enforcement agencies have already launched a crackdown on the cigarettes.
“There is really a crackdown, not only Tuklaw, but on other illegal drugs…Whether it’s Tuklaw, shabu, or marijuana, they’re illegal drugs and operating against these,” said Torre.
Torre said the PNP has made some arrests in the campaign against Tuklaw, referring to five students who were nabbed in Puerto Princesa City in Palawan, aged between 19 to 25, in a buy-bust operation last Monday.
