The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) is now conducting a thorough investigation in the wake of a viral video showing individuals convulsing, stiffening and crying after puffing black cigarette locally known as “tuklaw.’’

In a GMA News report, the PDEA noted that it is also checking on the trade of “tuklaw” online, as it is not part of the cigarettes being regulated.’’

The PDEA explained that “tuklaw” has a higher nicotine concentration than regular cigarettes with some smokers going into seizures and shaking violently after smoking the black cigarette.

PDEA spokesperson Jose Calulut noted that “tuklaw’’ has a nine percent nicotine content compared to the one to three percent nicotine content of regular cigarettes.

“Doon mo makikita na mataas talaga ang concentration ng nicotine sa tuklaw cigarettes (There, you can see the high nicotine concentration in tuklaw cigarettes),’’ Calulot said.

However, Calulot did not discount the distinct possibility of cannabis, shabu and cocaine being mixed with “tuklaw’’ used causing such convulsions.

“Posibleng mga cannabis, shabu, cocaine (were used),  they also have hallucinogenic effects po. Depende sa katawan ng tao, ayun yung magiging epekto sa katawan ng tao, there will be seizure, there will be hallucinations (It is possible that cannabis, shabu, cocaine, they also have hallucinogenic effects. It depends on the person’s condition, that is how it will affect the person’s body, there will be seizures, there will be hallucinations),’’ Calulot furthered.

The PDEA noted that the “black cigarette” originated in Northern Vietnam and is known there as “thuoc lao, which is much stronger compared to normal tobacco cigarettes.

Calulot also saw the need for a more thorough investigation, believing that individuals might just simply have been adventurous.

He also stressed the possibility of individuals or groups trying or intending to smuggle the prohibited items into the country.

The PDEA is awaiting the results of the laboratory tests conducted on the samples of the cigarette puffed by the minors in the viral video. 

Two of the three minors in the video admitted that they felt something off after puffing on “tuklaw,” according to the police.

The Philippine National Police has formed a special task force on the “tuklaw’’ incident to be led by the PNP Puerto Princesa City, guided by the PNP Mimaropa.