Nightclubs
PHNOM PENH: The Department of Anti-Drug Crime confirmed that 250 foreigners and Cambodians were arrested in a major operation on Friday night against the craze of inhaling nitrous oxide “happy balloons” in nightclubs to obtain a high.
The specialized force of the Department of Anti-Drug Crime raided two entertainment nightclubs and detained around 250 people (85 females), including 30 foreigners, and confiscated 13 nitrous oxide tanks and balloons, and a large number of equipment.
The crackdown was carried out on the orders of General Sar Thet, the National Police Commissioner, under the command of General Mak Chito, the Commissioner for Anti-Drug Planning, and under the direct leadership of Lt. Gen. Kheng Sarath, Director of the Department of Anti-Drug Crimes.
The crackdown on the two entertainment clubs with the cooperation of the Phnom Penh Municipal Police and the coordination of the Prosecutor of the Phnom Penh Municipal Court.
Raids took place at the following locations:
* Location 1: At DRIP 13 Club, located on Street 13, Sangkat Wat Phnom, Khan Daun Penh, detained 142 people, 47 females, including 32 chiefs, staff and 109 guests, including 9 foreigners (7 Vietnamese (2 females) ), One Korean, one African seized a gas tank and a large number of balloons
* Location 2: At Number 9 Club located on Street 308, Sangkat Tonle Bassac, Khan Chamkar Mon, 105 people were arrested, 41 females, including 3 club owners, 3 security guards and 104 guests, 23 foreigners, females 5 (9 Taiwanese (1 female), 9 Korean, 2 Vietnamese (1 female), 1 Filipino (female), 1 American (female), 1 English) and confiscated 12 large gas bottles (containing nitrous oxide) and some balloons.
Currently, 247 people are being detained at the Anti-Drug Department of the National Police for questioning and drug testing to be sent to court for legal action.
General Mak Chito, Deputy Commissioner General of the National Police for Drug Planning, appealed to the public, especially young men and women, to not use ”happy balloons”, because balloons contain Nitrous Oxide, which can cause harm – including severe nerve damage, loss of consciousness, memory, heart attack, and even death.
The public, especially the youth, should cooperate with the authorities to maintain the well-being, health, and future of all our children by reporting on all locations where Nitrous Oxide (Happy balloon) is stocked and sold.
The general added that soon this type of gas will be banned.
NOTE: The Truth International published this exclusive story of Khmer Times, Cambodia’s English newspaper after signing a bilateral cooperation MoU in Phnom Penh. Under this arrangement, TTI and Khmer Times will exchange stories and articles.
