Shabu precursor in DDB list

MANILA, Philippines - Another chemical, used as a precursor of shabu, has been included in the list of dangerous drugs based on regulations issued by the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB).

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said methylephedrine has been classified as a dangerous drug and all compounds, mixtures and preparations containing this substance, including its salts, isomers and salts of isomers.

PDEA director general Arturo Cacdac Jr. cited DDB Regulation 2, which was approved and adopted on Sept. 12.

Cacdac said PDEA and other law enforcement agencies will apprehend those who possess methylephedrine.

The World Anti-Doping Agency, an independent foundation created to fight against the use of performance-enhancing drugs in sports, has also included methylephedrine in their 2013 Prohibited List, Cacdac said.

He noted that the illicit substance is a prohibited stimulant that may induce increased blood pressure, cardio-vascular stress and priapism and has high potential for abuse.

“But we have enough medications available in the Philippine market that can yield the same therapeutic effects as that of methylephedrine,” he said.

Cacdac said methylephedrine was found in the clandestine mini-laboratory dismantled in Barangay Potrero, Malabon on May 28.

He said it was proven to be a precursor of ephedrine, also a controlled substance used in the manufacture of shabu.