Source: Department of Health FB
PDEA raises alarm over marijuana-flavored vapes
THE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Sunday sounded the alarm bell over the proliferation of marijuana-laced electronic cigarettes commonly known as vapes in the local market.
PDEA chair, Director General Moro Virgilio M. Lazo also sought much tighter government regulations to prevent consumers specifically the youth sector from using these cannabis-laced e-cigar gadgets amid their findings regarding an upsurge on the presence of vaping products with marijuana oil.
The official cited an operation in Taguig City conducted by combined operatives of the PDEA Special Enforcement Service, National Capital Region-Southern District Office and Investigation Service which led to the arrest of two drug targets and the confiscation of cannabis oil and Kush, a high-grade marijuana derivative and assorted vaping devices worth P842,000.
The operation was launched by the PDEA with the support of the Taguig City Police Station.
Last week, agents of the PDEA and the Bureuu of Customs intercepted 18 ‘balikbayan’ boxes containing cannabis oil and Kush hidden inside e-cigarettes at the Port Area in Manila. The smuggled contrabands were valued at P337 million.
The PDEA chief said the sale and smuggle of mariuana oil-cartridges indicate that there is a growing domestic demand for these products.
Considering that the vaping culture is predominantly popular among the youth, he expressed concern that these cannabis extracts can be passed off as a legitimate vape aerosol in the market and sold to younger patrons by enterprising people.
In this regard, the PDEA warned the public not to patronize marijuana-laced e-cigarettes because of the health hazards involved, and most importantly the law explicitly prohibits it.
The proliferation of these illicit items can also expose unknowing customers to be addicted to marijuana, he added.
Director General Lazo said they are currently monitoring physical and online vape shops selling cannabis flavored e-cigarettes and other related paraphernalia.
He added that they are seeking the support and cooperation of the country’s regulating bodies to formulate tighter measures against vape stores, alongside retailers and importers, to prevent consumers from using prohibited substances.
