PDEA, police monitor entry of Flakka in Central Visayas

CEBU, Philippines — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) – 7 and the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) are intensifying their monitoring on the entry of the so-called zombie drugs in Central Visayas following the arrest of two personalities selling ecstasy pills in Mandaue City last Thursday.

PDEA – 7 Director Emerson Margate said that one of the ecstasy pills seized during the operation was positive of methamphetamine which is dangerous.

They are monitoring ports, terminals and the airport to ensure that the drugs will not reach Cebu especially that the Sinulog Festival is happening this weekend.

But Police Chief Inspector Cristopher Navida said that they have not received any information that the zombie drug or Flakka is being distributed in Cebu City.

However, they are constantly monitoring and they also hold lectures about the ill-effects of Flakka in schools and communities in order to educate not just the students but the parents as well.

Navida said they will be closely monitoring clubs and establishments during the Sinulog.

Navida appealed to the youth to never try these kinds of drugs as these could cause death.

The composition of these drugs are also said to be more potent than the effects of shabu, causing intense stimulation in the nervous system including palpitations, complications in the blood circulation, seizures, internal organ failure.

Margate, on the other hand, said PDEA is sending samples of the drugs seized in Mandaue City to the national headquarters to test if it contains zombie drugs.

Flakka originated in Europe and is smuggled to the different countries including the US and Australia.

There were already reports that it has reached Manila.

According to medicinenet.com, "Flakka" is a new synthetic street drug. Since September 2014, hospitals, doctors, police, and fire rescue crews in Florida have seen patients with symptoms and signs that include bizarre behavior, agitation, paranoia, and delusions of superhuman strength.

A person who takes this drugs may "act like a zombie" because of its effects and may lead to death if the body couldn't handle its outcome.

Margate said that sellers of this type of party drug are targeting the millennials and this is sold within closed groups.

Margate added that because the government has intensified its fight against shabu, illegal drug manufacturers are now looking for ways to still capitalize on illegal drugs by mixing different kinds of imported substances and selling these products in capsule form, attracting a younger market with its accessibility in raves or parties.

“The most efficient sana is prevention muna tayo. Hindi pa naman to ganun kalaganap dito so, again, with information dissemination, prevention, education, I think the best way to combat this is for us to have knowledge about it,” Margate added.

He also said that once the government identifies these illegal substances, these will immediately be added to the dangerous drugs list. (FREEMAN)

PDEA, police monitor entry of Flakka in Central Visayas

Ermida Q. Moradas, Diane Sherwin V. Tungol and Mark Roland A. Romas

CEBU, Philippines — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) – 7 and the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) are intensifying their monitoring on the entry of the so-called zombie drugs in Central Visayas following the arrest of two personalities selling ecstasy pills in Mandaue City last Thursday.

PDEA – 7 Director Emerson Margate said that one of the ecstasy pills seized during the operation was positive of methamphetamine which is dangerous.

They are monitoring ports, terminals and the airport to ensure that the drugs will not reach Cebu especially that the Sinulog Festival is happening this weekend.

But Police Chief Inspector Cristopher Navida said that they have not received any information that the zombie drug or Flakka is being distributed in Cebu City.

However, they are constantly monitoring and they also hold lectures about the ill-effects of Flakka in schools and communities in order to educate not just the students but the parents as well.

Navida said they will be closely monitoring clubs and establishments during the Sinulog.

Navida appealed to the youth to never try these kinds of drugs as these could cause death.

The composition of these drugs are also said to be more potent than the effects of shabu, causing intense stimulation in the nervous system including palpitations, complications in the blood circulation, seizures, internal organ failure.

Margate, on the other hand, said PDEA is sending samples of the drugs seized in Mandaue City to the national headquarters to test if it contains zombie drugs.

Flakka originated in Europe and is smuggled to the different countries including the US and Australia.

There were already reports that it has reached Manila.

According to medicinenet.com, "Flakka" is a new synthetic street drug. Since September 2014, hospitals, doctors, police, and fire rescue crews in Florida have seen patients with symptoms and signs that include bizarre behavior, agitation, paranoia, and delusions of superhuman strength.

A person who takes this drugs may "act like a zombie" because of its effects and may lead to death if the body couldn't handle its outcome.

Margate said that sellers of this type of party drug are targeting the millennials and this is sold within closed groups.

Margate added that because the government has intensified its fight against shabu, illegal drug manufacturers are now looking for ways to still capitalize on illegal drugs by mixing different kinds of imported substances and selling these products in capsule form, attracting a younger market with its accessibility in raves or parties.

“The most efficient sana is prevention muna tayo. Hindi pa naman to ganun kalaganap dito so, again, with information dissemination, prevention, education, I think the best way to combat this is for us to have knowledge about it,” Margate added.

He also said that once the government identifies these illegal substances, these will immediately be added to the dangerous drugs list. (FREEMAN)