MANILA, Philippines – Nagbabala sa publiko ang Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) nitong Huwebes, Disyembre 11 sa pagbili online ng peyote, isang spineless cactus na naglalaman ng mapanganib na hallucinogenic substance na mescaline.
Sa pahayag, sinabi ni PDEA director general and undersecretary Isagani Nerez na ang pag-iisyu ng abiso ay kasunod ng mga report patungkol sa cactus na ito na ibinebenta sa online shopping platforms.
“The public must understand that ‘peyote’ is not an ornamental plant but a source of dangerous drug. Being sold online either as smuggled contraband or cultivated locally, these cacti are deliberately pushed into online markets to evade detection,” ani Nerez.
“Our foremost objective is to protect the Filipino people from substances that threaten their health, safety and future. ‘Peyote’ containing ‘mescaline’ poses real danger. We will not allow it to take root in our communities,” dagdag pa niya.
Hinimok ni Nerez ang publiko na isumbong kung may makikitang nagbebenta ng peyote sa kanilang lugar.
Ayon sa PDEA, ang mescaline ay klasipikado bilang dangerous drug sa ilalim ng Republic Act 9165 o Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Nasa listahan din ang mescaline bilang controlled substance sa ilalim ng 1971 United Nations Single Convention on Psychotropic Substances.
Ang mescaline ay naglalabas ng malakas na hallucinogenic effects na maaaring makaapekto sa isang tao katulad ng matinding pagkahilo, pagsusuka, pamamaga ng mata, sakit sa ulo, panghihina, at kawalan ng motor coordination.
“When abused, ‘mescaline’ can cause varying degrees of illusions, hallucinations, distorted sense of body, and altered perception of space and time – effects that can lead to accidents, self-harm and unpredictable behavior,” sinabi pa ni Nerez. RNT/JGC
