MANILA: The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Tuesday (Sept 30) cautioned that some vape products circulating in the country may contain the same synthetic cannabinoid components earlier found in so-called "Tuklaw" cigarettes.
The Philippine News Agency (PNA) reported that, 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).
He said the harmful chemical was also 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 formalise its listing is set to be signed soon after being delayed by recent typhoons.
Authorities earlier issued advisories against its sale and use after confiscations in tourist areas. - Bernama-PNA
