PDEA warns against new psychoactive substances

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Thursday alerted the public about the dangers of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS).

On Raffy Tima's 24 Oras report, PDEA spokesperson Derrick Carreon explained NPS can be combinations of different substances that could mimic the effects of known illegal drugs in the body.

"Isang substance or a combination of different substances na ang supposed effect ay gagayahin 'yung mga kilala nang droga," Carreon explained.

Some of its supposed effects are seen in a disturbing footage of a woman authorities got from the cellphone of an alleged supplier.

The NPS the agency confiscated usually contain traces of shabu or ecstasy mixed with a combination of different drugs, some which are not yet classified as illegal drugs.

Suspected suppliers of illegal drugs peddle NPS with ecstasy or shabu, so criminal cases are filed against them.

However, party drugs such as the chemrom or chemical romance are used to victimize people, particularly women. A drink can be spiked with just a few drops of liquid ecstasy.

Carreon said the victim would not be able to recall what happened to him or her after taking these type of drugs.

"Basically, nawawala sa sarili, at kadalasan ang pinakadelikado pa rito, hindi nila naaalala kung ano ang nangyari sa kanila pagkatapos na mawala 'yung epekto ng droga," he said.

PDEA chemists, with the help of the Dangerous Drugs Board, are studying the composition of new drugs so these can be included in the list of prohibited drugs.

The agency advises the public, especially parents, to watch out for indications of illegal drug use in their community.

"(Kung) Evasive na 'yung bata. Magiging ... hindi na niya kayo kainakausap. Mahirap na po 'yan. So hangga't maari po, bilang mga magulang sa ating mga tahanan palagi po nating kausapin ang mga bata. Tingnan natin ng mabuti kung sino ang mga kasalamuha (nila)," Carreon said. — with Margaret Claire Layug/BAP, GMA News