Nagbabala ang Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) sa publiko sa pagkalat ng illegal drug na Ecstacy na ngayo’y nasa chewable tablet form na rin.

Image: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Just recently ay may nakumpiska ang PDEA na isang package sa isang PhlPost office sa Paranaque, and inside the package were 500 different-colored chewable tablets na may high-grade Ecstacy.

Hindi gaya ng naunang Ecstacy tablets, na kadalasan ay kailangan pa ng tubig para ma-ingest, ang mga tablets na kanilang nakumpiska ay nginunguya lang. This will allow the users to ingest the drugs in public nang hindi nahahalata.

According to PDEA Region 3 Public Information Officer Glenn Guillermo, “Kapag bubble gum kasi parang harmless… pwede mo dalhin kahit saan. Mas madaling ibenta at itago. Wala rin siyang amoy kaya ‘di halata na nakamamatay.”

Dagdag pa niya, ang ganitong mga klaseng drugs ay binebenta sa mga students in private schools.

Mula sa Netherlands ang nasabing package.

Parents are advised to teach their children na huwag basta-basta tatanggap ng candy o chewing gum sa hindi kakilala, at mag-ingat sa mga kinakaibigan at binabarkada. Obserbahan rin ang mga anak kung may kakaibang kinikilos, at baka drug-dependent na pala sila, hindi lamang sa Ecstacy, kundi sa iba pang illegal drugs.

From helpguide.org, (http://www.helpguide.org/articles/addiction/drug-abuse-and-addiction.htm) here are some warning signs to look for:

Physical warning signs of drug abuse

Image: wikiHow

– Bloodshot eyes, pupils larger or smaller than usual
– Changes in appetite or sleep patterns. Sudden weight loss or weight gain
– Deterioration of physical appearance, personal grooming habits
– Unusual smells on breath, body, or clothing
– Tremors, slurred speech, or impaired coordination

Behavioral signs of drug abuse

Image: www.bestdrugrehabilitation.com

– Drop in attendance and performance at work or school
– Unexplained need for money or financial problems. May borrow or steal to get it.
– Engaging in secretive or suspicious behaviors
– Sudden change in friends, favorite hangouts, and hobbies
– Frequently getting into trouble (fights, accidents, illegal activities)

Psychological warning signs of drug abuse

– Unexplained change in personality or attitude
– Sudden mood swings, irritability, or angry outbursts
– Periods of unusual hyperactivity, agitation, or giddiness
– Lack of motivation; appears lethargic or “spaced out”
– Appears fearful, anxious, or paranoid, with no reason