All Addicts Are Ugly, Says PNP Chief Torre
NICOLAS TORRE III – The Philippine National Police (PNP) chief made a direct remark about the effects of illegal drug use, saying he has never seen a drug addict who looks good. He emphasized that drug use not only harms health but also greatly changes a person’s appearance for the worse.
Torre made this statement after a series of police operations against illegal drugs, which included the arrest of five students in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. The students were linked to selling a dangerous product called “Tuklaw” or black cigarettes. These cigarettes reportedly contain synthetic cannabinoid, a harmful chemical that can cause serious physical reactions, including seizures.
The PNP chief used this case to warn the public—especially young people—about the harmful effects of illegal drugs. He explained that addiction damages both the body and the appearance, often leaving users physically unhealthy and visibly less attractive compared to how they looked before using drugs. Torre pointed to examples of celebrities who were once admired for their looks but suffered a big physical decline after becoming addicted to drugs.
The “Tuklaw” incident caught public attention after videos went viral showing young people collapsing and shaking on the streets in Puerto Princesa, allegedly after using the product. The PNP is investigating the source of “Tuklaw” in the country, with initial findings showing it is being sold online for about ₱300 per milliliter of synthetic cannabinoid.
Torre assured that police are monitoring other possible suppliers and will make sure these substances do not spread further. He reminded everyone that illegal drugs, in any form, bring no benefits and only cause harm to health, appearance, and life.
He repeated his straightforward observation that, based on his experience, all drug addicts look unattractive. He urged people to compare the “before and after” images of those who have fallen into drug addiction, noting the clear change from healthy and appealing to unhealthy and unrecognizable.