Cambodia News: In an operation conducted on the night of November 3, 2023, the Department of Anti-Drug Crime's specialized forces successfully raided two entertainment clubs involved in drug-related activities. The targeted establishments were found to be distributing drugs through the use of nitrous oxide-filled balloons, commonly known as "Happy balloons." A total of 250 individuals, including 85 women, were apprehended during the crackdown. The authorities were able to confiscate 13 nitrous oxide tanks, a significant quantity of balloons, and various drug-related paraphernalia. This information was officially confirmed by the Anti-Drug Unit on November 4, 2023.

The operation, under the direct command of General Mak Chito, the Commissioner for Anti-Drug Planning, and the supervision of Lt. Gen. Kheng Sarath, Director of the Department of Anti-Drug Crimes, was carried out on the orders of General Sar Thet, the National Police Commissioner. The Phnom Penh Municipal Police and the Prosecutor of the Phnom Penh Municipal Court also collaborated in facilitating the crackdown on these two entertainment clubs.

Location 1: The first club targeted, named "Number 9", is situated on Street 308, Sangkat Tonle Bassac, Khan Chamkar Mon. The operation resulted in the arrest of 105 individuals, including 41 females, among whom were the club owner, three security guards, and 104 guests. The detained individuals included 23 foreigners, comprising nine Taiwanese (one female), nine Koreans, two Vietnamese (both females), one Filipino (female), and one American (female). Law enforcement officials successfully seized 12 large gas bottles containing nitrous oxide and a substantial quantity of balloons.

Location 2: The second club raided, named DRIP 13 Club, is located on Street 13, Sangkat Wat Phnom, Khan Daun Penh. A total of 142 individuals were detained during the operation, including 47 females. Amongst them were 32 club staff members, as well as 109 guests, including 9 foreigners - seven Vietnamese females, one Korean, and one African. Additionally, authorities confiscated a gas pipe and a significant number of deflated balloons, previously filled with gas.

Ah, "deflated balloons, previously filled with gas", the tell-tale equivalent to used condoms found at venues of prostitution.

Is there a proper drug test for nitrous oxide, or did they just arrest anyone who was laughing hysterically?

What is the standard bribe for being in a bar that might have balloons when the retarded Khmer police come around looking for their tea money?
250 people times $1000 a head? Be on the lookout for a new land rover in Phnom Penh

105 individuals arrested, including owner, 3 security guards and 104 guests. The security guards must have been off-duty guests.

John Bingham wrote: ↑Sun Nov 05, 2023 1:42 pm

SiemReapLOL wrote: ↑Sun Nov 05, 2023 10:10 am What is the standard bribe for being in a bar that might have balloons when the retarded Khmer police come around looking for their tea money?
250 people times $1000 a head? Be on the lookout for a new land rover in Phnom Penh

I don't think you're in any position to call anyone retarded. Standard bribe?

He would want his position to be outside of Cambodia.

In future, they should hire a dentist. Or a dentist could open an after hours clinic, that just happens to have loud music and is licensed.

I heard about the "DRIP"-club some weeks ago that its especially known for those balloons, the staff from a "nearside"-music-bar told me if i asked them what about that place. Uselally when "that" place closes i dont need balloons to do crazy (or stupid things), hahaha. And strangly in both places were also vietnamese females (it means they have viet-passport or id-card). I doubt they were working as toilet-cleaners there !!??
In Belgium police also is cracking-down those balloon-bussiness, especially used by youngsters under 18 !! Never tried it before, the useal case of Anchor will do for me !!

I wonder how the law makes this gas an illegal substance. If I remember correctly you can use it for a whip cream maker and other stuff.

So, does that mean you can get arrested for making whip cream at home now?

What if this specific club gives every customer a free cake at entry? They're gonna need lots of whip cream and ofcourse the party never gets started without a few balloons.

What about glue? Might get you high as well. Is every kindergartner gonna get arrested now?

The other issue with NO2 is that it is out of your bloodstream within minutes. So it is very difficult to prove one was under the influence, and if proximity of balloons/cannisters/people lurking balloons is sufficient as evidence then how to prove your innocence. It is not like the methampetamine test with/without the blue line.

Same like in Vietnam where they crack down on use, so establishments no longer have the cylinder on-site but bring balloons on order. All the bars in Bui Vien street Saigon have them on their menu next to the beers, the profit margin is just too good as they get sold for $5 and cost just pennies to fill up.

It gets sold as a harmless drug but over-use still has its dangers: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/girl- ... 94570.html

Here is a link to an article from last summer: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/21-to ... 21252.html

21 tons of laughing gas in 1200 cylinders confiscated, worth $85,000. That is just over $70 for a cylinder/its contents so just after selling 14 balloons one already breaks even and the rest is pure profit. Yes the emballage is an upfront cost but returned with the cylinders/one-off when trading in for a full one.