Philippines: PNP chief urges smokers not to try viral 'tuklaw' cigarettes

Philippine police issued a stark warning to the public against smoking 'tuklaw' or illegal Thuoc Lao cigarettes. Authorities are moving quickly to crack down on the drug, which has been linked to videos of people manifesting seizure-like symptoms after smoking it.

According to Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III, the 'tuklaw' cigarettes are now a target in the country's anti-drug operations. “Why would they even try it when they could even die?” Torre said in a statement, urging citizens not to fall victim to the dangerous trend. He confirmed that police are working with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to trace the origin and illicit trading routes of the substance.

The PDEA has confirmed that the cigarettes contain not only high levels of nicotine but also a synthetic cannabinoid, a substance far more potent and dangerous than marijuana. These compounds have been shown to cause psychotic episodes and hallucinations.

PDEA Director General Isagani Nerez said “Thuoc Lao” is a tobacco plant grown in the mountains of Northern Vietnam and locally it can either be smoked or chewed as part of their rituals.

“These deadly cigarettes laced with synthetic cannabinoid are obviously smuggled goods and reportedly sold online. PDEA warns the public not to patronize ‘tuklaw’ because of the serious health risks involved. To all the parents, please advise your children not to even try it”, said Nerez.

In viral videos, individuals, particularly in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, Palawan, and Taguig City, have been seen suffering from brief, shock-like body jerks and twitches after use. Last week, police in Puerto Princesa City arrested five students aged 19 to 25 during a buy-bust operation for their alleged involvement in selling the cigarettes.

Officials also warned against "shotgun smoking," where people forcibly blow "tuklaw" fumes into another person's mouth.