The Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) have issued a public warning against a tobacco product known locally as “tuklaw.”
According to the agencies, tuklaw—also popular in Vietnam as thuoc lao—is made from a tobacco plant associated with South America. It reportedly contains up to three times more nicotine than regular cigarettes and has been found laced with synthetic cannabinoids—substances designed to mimic marijuana, but are far more potent and dangerous.
Lab results revealed that tuklaw may cause psychotic episodes, hallucinations, and seizure-like symptoms, with authorities adding that the product is likely smuggled and being sold online.
PDEA Director General Isagani Nerez and DDB Chair Oscar Valenzuela stressed their agencies’ commitment to protecting the public from the threats of addictive and harmful substances.
Full story on Inquirer.net — "Health warning aired vs cigarette called ‘tuklaw’" by Jason Sigales, Philippine Daily Inquirer (August 10, 2025).
