The Philippine National Police (PNP) is keeping an eye on the smuggling and proliferation of “Thuoc Lao” or black cigarettes in the country amid the series of significant gains against cigarette smuggling.

Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr.said they continue to intensify the intelligence-gathering in coordination with other government agencies like the Bureau of Customs and the Department of Health to prevent the entry of the “Thuoc Lao,” colloquially known as “tuklaw” or black cigarette.

“We have seen the effects of this black cigarette and it is alarming. We are working closely with other law enforcement agencies to prevent its entry and proliferation in the country,” said Nartatez.

Thuoc Lao is a highly potent tobacco product from Northern Vietnam that has recently appeared in the Philippines. Its nicotine content can reach up to nine percent, which is far higher than ordinary cigarettes (one to three percent), and some versions are reportedly fortified with synthetic cannabinoids.

Police and health authorities have raised alarms after teenagers experienced seizure-like symptoms, including body jerks and involuntary twitching, after smoking it.

The National Tobacco Administration (NTA) has not authorized Thuoc Lao for importation but authorities seized a huge volume of the contraband.

The latest operation was in Bacoor City where three people were apprehended for allegedly selling “Thuoc Lao,” colloquially known as “tuklaw” or black cigarette.

Nartatez said the PNP will further intensify its operations against illegal cigarettes as he stressed the need for stricter patrols along the country’s borders to prevent the entry of contraband tobacco products from neighboring countries.

Nartatez issued the statement after the PNP’s latest operation resulted in the interception of a boat carrying 332 master cases of undocumented cigarettes worth an estimated P21,248,000 off Manalipa Island, Zamboanga City on January 6.

Three suspects on board were arrested for failing to present proper documentation and the PNP is also looking at the possibility that the latest interception is connected to the earlier seizures in Batangas and Malabon.

Nartatez earlier ordered an investigation to determine the possible link between the P1.1 billion cigarettes seized in Batangas City on December 31 and anioher P1.5 billion worth of cigarettes in Malabon City the following day.

“We are already conducting validation and intelligence-sharing with our foreign counterparts to ensure that we do not miss any vital information in holding accountable those involved in smuggling,” he said.