PDEA wants online shopping website to explain why improvised tooter is being sold

September 19, 2019

Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency ( PDEA) Director General Aaron Aquino on Thursday said they are awaiting an explanation from an online shopping website on how an improvised tooter is being sold at their store.

In a press briefing, Aquino said they discovered this after arresting a licensed pharmacist and a nurse in separate drug operations early Thursday morning.

“My operatives does not believe the tooter is being sold by a particular seller until such time they are the one who open the website and found the improvised drug paraphernalia (there),” he said.

“It was just discovered this morning because we were able to arrest these two,” he added.

Aquino said the items were still in the website the last time they checked but upon checking later, it could not be found.

He said an improvised tooter costs around P2,500.

The PDEA chief said an improvised tooter is a drug paraphernalia and considered illegal.

“It’s not allowed. The mere fact they are selling this, it’s unauthorized so we asked them to explain on why this is being sold,” he said.

Aquino said it’s impossible for the website to deny being involved in selling.

“That is the reason why we want (an) explanation to find out the truth. It’s impossible that someone is selling there without their knowledge. Meaning there is no safeguard? What if someone sell shabu there? It’s okay? They supposedly have monitors on all the sellers,” he said.

He said the selling of the item is a violation that is why he is waiting for the response of the website.

“If they really don’t want (to explain), I will consult my legal team and do the appropriate action,” said Aquino.

He said they are ready to file a case depending on the result of their investigation.

Aquino reminded online sellers the sale of improvised drug paraphernalia is illegal.  Ella Dionisio/DMS