PDEA warns against use of marijuana-laced vape products
Aileen Lovitos, regional director of PDEA in the Soccksargen Region, informed the public that the new modus operandi of drug syndicates is lacing vape products with marijuana oil. She then urged the public to exercise caution when using these products to prevent potential charges under Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. (File photo by PIA Region 12)
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato (PIA) — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has warned the public against the use of electronic cigarettes containing marijuana oil.
Regional Director Aileen Lovitos emphasized that using vape products containing marijuana oil is a violation of Section 5 (Illegal Sale of Dangerous Drugs) and Section 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs) under Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Anyone caught selling or possessing such products will face corresponding charges, Lovitos added.
PDEA agents recently seized 51 vape cartridges containing suspected cannabis oil from three individuals during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Apopong, General Santos City.
The confiscated illegal drug has an estimated street value of P178,500.
According to Lovitos, each vape juice cartridge is sold for P3,500.
The official reiterated that the PDEA is intensifying its enforcement and intelligence monitoring without letting up in partnership with other law enforcement and national government agencies.
This includes monitoring of physical and online vape shops, she disclosed.
Lovitos also revealed that illegal drug peddlers frequently transact with their clients through sale or “kaliwaan” schemes or by way of online platforms.
PDEA personnel seized 51 vape cartridges containing suspected cannabis oil during its buy-bust operation in Barangay Apopong, General Santos City. PDEA maintains that it is intensifying its enforcement and intelligence monitoring in collaboration with other law enforcement and key national government agencies. (Photo courtesy of PDEA Region 12)
According to her, the delivery of illegal items has been made personally using private vehicles, parcels, drug dens, cheap motels, or inns.
“Drug traffickers are also selling illegal drugs through the use of social media or courier services,” the official added.
To further deter the illegal trend, PDEA has conducted a series of advocacy programs for e-commerce businesses and courier services in the region to help them fortify their operations.
PDEA has also entered into partnerships with courier companies to help intercept packages containing illegal drugs and prevent the occurrence of drug-related activities.
In the first quarter of 2024, authorities recovered some P2.5 million worth of illegal drugs in a series of operations across the region.
PDEA reported that out of 25 anti-illegal drug operations conducted from January to March, authorities seized a total of 375.6643 grams of shabu and 11.884 grams of dried marijuana leaves.
These operations also led to the arrest of 30 drug personalities, said Lovitos. (ORVR – PIA Region 12)
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