THE National Bureau of Investigation operatives raided a bar in Pasay City selling nitrous oxide or laughing gas to its customers, usually foreigners.
Operatives arrested a waiter as well as foreign customers inhaling the regulated gas.
The foreign nationals were visibly inhaling the regulated gas from balloons in view of other clients, said the NBI anti-organized crime and transnational division (NBI-AOCTD)
The NBI-AOCTD also plans to file drug cases against the owner and managers of the club.
An agent said the bar was openly selling nitrous oxide to customers and even included it in the menu by using a circle beside number 10, which is code for customers that it is included in the package.
A package is priced between P8,000 and P10,000 and includes balloons, the gas and a bottle of liquor.
The use of nitrous oxide has been a growing concern for narcotics agents because of its lax availability despite its addictive and destructive effect, the agent said.
Common adverse effects from using small amounts include dizziness, light-headedness, disorientation, headache, and a generalized tingling sensation. Nausea and fainting may also occur, as well as temporary loss of co-ordination and balance. Some effects are from hypoxia caused by a temporary lack of oxygen, which may also cause seizures.
