12/12/2025
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17fYzxxb7S/
𝐏𝐃𝐄𝐀 𝐂𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐏𝐔𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐂 𝐀𝐆𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐒𝐓 𝐏𝐄𝐘𝐎𝐓𝐄 𝐂𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐔𝐒
𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐌𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞, 𝐚 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐮𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) is warning the public about the proliferation of “Pe**te” (Lophophora williamsii), a spineless cactus that contains “Mescaline”, a dangerous hallucinogenic substance.
PDEA Director General Undersecretary Isagani R Nerez issued the advisory following reports that Pe**te cacti are commercially available on local online shopping platforms.
“Mescaline” is classified as a dangerous drug under Republic Act 9165, or “The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002”, and is listed as a controlled substance under the 1971 United Nations Single Convention on Psychotropic Substances.
“Mescaline” produces powerful hallucinogenic effects that can severely impair judgment and perception. Users may experience intense nausea, vomiting, dilation of pupils, headaches, muscle weakness and loss of motor coordination.
It can be taken mainly by oral ingestion of fresh or dried cacti. It may also be grounded into powder then placed in gelatin capsules, or smoked with cannabis or to***co. “When abused, “Mescaline” can cause varying degrees of illusions, hallucinations, distorted sense of body, and altered perception of space and time — effects that can lead to accidents, self-harm and unpredictable behavior”, Undersecretary Nerez explained.
Historically, the “Pe**te” cactus has been used for centuries in indigenous practices by Native Americans and Mexicans.
“The public must understand that “Pe**te” is not an ornamental plant but a source of dangerous drug. Being sold online either as smuggled contraband or cultivated locally, these cacti are deliberately pushed into online markets to evade detection. We urge the public to immediately report any sightings or suspected sale of this deadly plant in their localities”, DG Nerez said.
“Our foremost objective is to protect the Filipino people from substances that threaten their health, safety and future. “Pe**te” containing “Mescaline” poses real danger. We will not allow it to take root in our communities”, the PDEA Chief added.