PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday, August 21, claimed that some rich men in Cebu are already using cocaine.

Duterte warned that cocaine is being brought into the country at a fast pace as drug cartels are trying to make it as a "worldwide crime."

The Chief Executive said some rich Cebuanos were taking cocaine since they had already "graduated" from using other illegal substances.

"Cocaine is making its headway. They're trying to make it a worldwide crime organization," the President said in a speech before Visayas mayors.

"Dito sa Cebu, yung mga mayayaman dito, cocaine na iyan sila. They have graduated (from taking other illegal substances). But most of them may tama na," he added.

(Here in Cebu, the rich people here, use cocaine. They have graduated. But most of them are already crazy.)

Duterte made the claim as he tackled the effects of using shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride), which he described as the "most toxic and lethal" substance that causes hallucination and depression among drug users.

Discussing the adverse effects of shabu use, the Chief Executive warned drug syndicates that it would be "very dangerous" for them to continue their illicit business in the country.

Duterte maintained that he would not hesitate to kill any people who are connected to illegal drugs.

"Shabu is characterized as the most toxic and lethal simply because shabu comes from a mixture of chemical. Unlike cocaine, cannabis or heroine, they are extracts from the poppy [which is] organic," he said.

"Now, there is no more laboratory, if at all, dito sa Pilipinas. They are avoiding it because it's very dangerous. Kasi alam nila kapag natsambahan ko sila, alam nila patay talaga sila. Wala akong drama-drama diyan sa human rights. P***** i**, yayariin talaga kita," he added.

(Now, there is no more laboratory, if at all, here in the Philippines. . They are avoiding it because it's very dangerous. Because they know that if I learn about it, I will really kill them. I don't need to indulge in drama, despite criticisms from human rights. Son of a b****, I will really kill you.) (SunStar Philippines)