• Burmese
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
No Result
View All Result
NEWSLETTER
The Irrawaddy
8 °c
Hillsboro
  • Home
  • News
    • Burma
    • Politics
    • World
    • Asia
    • Myanmar’s Crisis & the World
    • Ethnic Issues
    • War Against the Junta
    • Junta Cronies
    • Conflicts In Numbers
    • Junta Watch
    • Fact Check
    • Investigation
    • Myanmar-China Watch
    • Obituaries
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Opinion
    • Commentary
    • Guest Column
    • Analysis
    • Editorial
    • Stories That Shaped Us
    • Letters
  • Junta Watch
  • Ethnic Issues
  • War Against the Junta
  • In Person
    • Interview
    • Profile
  • Books
  • Donation
  • Home
  • News
    • Burma
    • Politics
    • World
    • Asia
    • Myanmar’s Crisis & the World
    • Ethnic Issues
    • War Against the Junta
    • Junta Cronies
    • Conflicts In Numbers
    • Junta Watch
    • Fact Check
    • Investigation
    • Myanmar-China Watch
    • Obituaries
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Opinion
    • Commentary
    • Guest Column
    • Analysis
    • Editorial
    • Stories That Shaped Us
    • Letters
  • Junta Watch
  • Ethnic Issues
  • War Against the Junta
  • In Person
    • Interview
    • Profile
  • Books
  • Donation
No Result
View All Result
The Irrawaddy
No Result
View All Result
Home News Burma

Myanmar Regime Turning a Blind Eye to Rising Narcotics Use in Yangon

The Irrawaddy by The Irrawaddy
March 3, 2023
in Burma
Reading Time: 4 mins read
0 0
A A
Myanmar Regime Turning a Blind Eye to Rising Narcotics Use in Yangon

Illegal drugs are in abundant supply at bars and clubs in Yangon. / IRW / CJ

6.2k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Even as Yangon’s streets empty when the military regime’s nightly curfew goes into effect, the sound of electronic dance music pumps out of bars and nightclubs illuminated by neon lights.

While Myanmar’s economy has been in freefall since the 2021 coup, nightlife venues are flourishing across Yangon, the country’s commercial capital, despite ongoing power blackouts.

Inside a Hi Room at Maze in Tamwe / IRW / CJ

In those venues, there has been an alarming rise in the availability of so-called party drugs: illegal narcotics such as ecstasy (E) and ketamine (K) that are increasingly being taken by young people.

RelatedPosts

Why Myanmar’s Junta Targets Civilians

Why Myanmar’s Junta Targets Civilians

May 21, 2025
73
Myanmar Military’s Proxy Party ‘Living in Fear’ Ahead of Junta’s December Poll

Myanmar Military’s Proxy Party ‘Living in Fear’ Ahead of Junta’s December Poll

May 20, 2025
587
Shan Party Says It’s Ready to Take Part in Junta’s Election

Shan Party Says It’s Ready to Take Part in Junta’s Election

May 19, 2025
847

“It might be difficult to buy a large amount of paracetamol. But E and K are everywhere. In clubs and bars, 15,000 tablets sell out in single night,” said Ko Kelvin, a pseudonym for a 30-year-old organizer and promoter of nightlife events in Yangon.

Happy Water — a mixture of E, K, methamphetamine, diazepam, and other narcotics — is the most popular party drug among young people in Yangon.

Pioneer Club / IRW / CJ

E is a pill and K, which was originally designed as an anesthetic for animals, comes either as a liquid or powder that is smoked.

“Previously, one tablet of E cost over 100,000 kyats [around US$35], and it was the same for K. So many people couldn’t afford it or used it only occasionally. But both E and K are cheaper now and more readily available,” said Ko Kelvin.

Since the coup, the price of E has dropped to between 40,000 and 50,000 kyats per pill, while the price of K has also dropped to 60,000 to 70,000 kyats per gram. And there is an abundant supply of these drugs, as their use has increased.

Happy Water is sold for around 300,000 kyats per packet which, if mixed with water, provides ten shot glasses of the drug.

The increase in narcotic abuse in Yangon is the result of more drugs being produced in border areas controlled by ethnic militias affiliated to the Myanmar military. The drugs are then transported along routes guarded by the military, before being distributed by cronies. Some of the narcotics are also manufactured in the border areas close to China and Thailand without the involvement of the military, according to drug users and traffickers. The police cover up the drug dealing.

The Chinese-owned The Next Level Club in Mayangone / IRW / CJ

With new drugs such as E, K and Happy Water on the rise, the price of methamphetamines like Yaba pills and Ice has dropped significantly, meaning people on low incomes can now afford them. Before the coup, a Yaba pill cost around 5,000 kyats. Now, they sell for between 300 and 500 kyats each.

Some Yangon drug users aged between 25 and 30 said narcotics make them feel alert and energetic.

Ma Honey, a pseudonym, from Hlaing Tharyar Township said: “It makes you feel energetic for a few hours. It also depends on how upbeat the music is. The effect of the drug declines while you are dancing.”

Ko Aung Khant, a pseudonym for a drug user from Tamwe Township, said: “When you inhale K, the high comes with feelings of euphoria. When you take a lot of K, your mind leaves your body and floats to other place. You are euphoric, even if you don’t look good while doing it.”

He added: “K affects the brain, so your memory will decline with prolonged use.”

KTV lounges and nightclubs have separate rooms known as Hi Rooms [‘Hi’ is an abbreviation of ‘High’] where partygoers can buy and use drugs. Some Hi Rooms will even prepare the drugs for users.

In the Hi Rooms, drug users dance all the time with music sometimes played by private DJs. Ecstasy pills are often taken as they enable users to dance for hours without getting tired.

A new occupation known as ‘Hi Girls’ has now become popular with young women. The job doesn’t involve sexual services, but requires the women to dance with male guests all night. ‘Hi Girls’ usually charge from 50,000 kyats to 150,000 kyats for six hours of dancing from 10pm to 4am the next day.

Inside Honey Nest / IRW / CJ

The job was previously popular only in Laukkai by the Myanmar-China border and Tachileik along the Myanmar-Thailand frontier. Both places are border towns in Shan State and notorious for drugs, gambling and other illegal activities. But with unemployment rising in Myanmar since the coup, ‘Hi Girls’ can now be found in Yangon and Mandalay as well.

The prolonged use of stimulants can have physical effects like disorientation, depression, loss of appetite, bladder pain and kidney failure, unconsciousness, acute respiratory failure, and erectile dysfunction, according to healthcare professionals.

The most popular nightclub in Yangon for drugs is the Honey Nest near Bayintnaung Bridge in Mayangone Township. The One Entertainment near Shwegondaing Junction in Bahan Township has the most popular Hi Rooms.

Honey Nest is a Chinese-owned club that opened in September 2021, seven months after the military takeover.

Vuvuzela Club / IRW / CJ

Other well-known Hi Rooms include Music Buzz and VIP in Bahan, Diamond KTV in Sanchaung and Good Sound in Mingalar Taung Nyunt. Popular Yangon clubs include The Next Level KTV Bar in Kamayut, Vuvuzela in Thingangyun, Woodland X and Domino Lounge in South Okkalapa, The Maze in Tamwe, The Myst in Bahan and Pioneer in Dagon.

These clubs are run by relatives of generals, businessmen close to them, and Chinese business owners. So they are effectively beyond the law.

In 2022, the junta said that it arrested 30 drug dealers in Yangon who were selling narcotics near KTV lounges and nightclubs, along with six policemen who had ties to the dealers. But there is little sign of the regime tackling the major suppliers of drugs or the bars and clubs where they are taken.

The junta has turned a blind eye to drugs, gambling and illegal entertainment in Yangon in an effort to persuade the outside world that the city has come back to life, despite striking workers and ongoing resistance to the regime.

Now those illegal activities are increasingly affecting the lives of residents and Yangon is a city on the skids.

Your Thoughts …
Tags: CoupDrugsEecstasyHappy WaterHi GirlsHi RoomsIllegal Drugs in YangonjuntaKKetamineKTV loungesmilitary regimeMyanmar MilitaryMyanmar Regime Turning a Blind Eye to Rising Narcotics Use in YangonNarcoticsnightclubsYangon
The Irrawaddy

The Irrawaddy

...

Similar Picks:

Enter the Dragon, Exit the Junta: Myanmar’s Brotherhood Alliance makes Chinese New Year Vow
Burma

Enter the Dragon, Exit the Junta: Myanmar’s Brotherhood Alliance makes Chinese New Year Vow

by The Irrawaddy
February 12, 2024
44.4k

Ethnic armed grouping says it will continue Operation 1027 offensive until goal of ousting the junta is achieved. 

Read moreDetails
Drone Attack at Myanmar-China Border Gate Causes Over $14m in Losses
Business

Drone Attack at Myanmar-China Border Gate Causes Over $14m in Losses

by The Irrawaddy
November 27, 2023
38.3k

Jin San Jiao is latest northern Shan State trade hub in crosshairs of ethnic Brotherhood Alliance.

Read moreDetails
Arakan Army Captures Myanmar Junta Brigade General in Chin State Rout: Report
Burma

Arakan Army Captures Myanmar Junta Brigade General in Chin State Rout: Report

by The Irrawaddy
January 15, 2024
36.3k

Rakhine-based armed group has reportedly detained the chief of 19th Military Operations Command after seizing his base in Paletwa Township.

Read moreDetails
Myanmar Junta Arrests Thai Condo Buyers, Realtors as Currency Crashes
Business

Myanmar Junta Arrests Thai Condo Buyers, Realtors as Currency Crashes

by The Irrawaddy
June 4, 2024
27.6k

Monday’s arrests follow reports that Myanmar has become one of Thailand’s most lucrative markets for selling condos since the 2021...

Read moreDetails
China-Backed Illegal Rare Earth Mining Surging in Northern Myanmar
Burma

China-Backed Illegal Rare Earth Mining Surging in Northern Myanmar

by Yan Naing
July 15, 2022
34.7k

A Myanmar military-backed militia in Kachin State is protecting Chinese-run mines that produce coveted rare earth minerals used in hi-tech...

Read moreDetails
AA Urges Myanmar Junta Troops to Surrender as Western Command Burns
War Against the Junta

AA Urges Myanmar Junta Troops to Surrender as Western Command Burns

by The Irrawaddy
December 18, 2024
25.2k

Ethnic army reportedly poised to capture regime’s last stronghold in Rakhine State.

Read moreDetails
Load More
Next Post
Myanmar Junta Rapes and Kills During Sagaing Raid

Myanmar Junta Rapes and Kills During Sagaing Raid

Kayah Refugee Family Lose Mother

Kayah Refugee Family Lose Mother, Livelihood in Junta Artillery Strike

No Result
View All Result

Recommended

China’s Two-Faced Diplomacy in Myanmar

China’s Two-Faced Diplomacy in Myanmar

2 days ago
2.1k
Myanmar Junta Leader Scores Diplomatic Win With Xi Meeting in Moscow

Myanmar Junta Leader Scores Diplomatic Win With Xi Meeting in Moscow

6 days ago
1.2k

Most Read

  • We Can’t Help You, Myanmar Junta Tells Striking Workers at Adidas Factory

    We Can’t Help You, Myanmar Junta Tells Striking Workers at Adidas Factory

    shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • 10 Men Killed by Indian Paramilitaries ‘Were Myanmar Resistance Fighters’

    shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • KNU Seizes Myanmar Junta Base on Thai Border

    shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Kokang’s New Power Play: Economic Integration With China

    shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Myanmar Military’s Proxy Party ‘Living in Fear’ Ahead of Junta’s December Poll

    shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0

Newsletter

Get The Irrawaddy’s latest news, analyses and opinion pieces on Myanmar in your inbox.

Subscribe here for daily updates.

Contents

  • News
  • Politics
  • War Against the Junta
  • Myanmar’s Crisis & the World
  • Conflicts In Numbers
  • Junta Crony
  • Ethnic Issues
  • Asia
  • World
  • Business
  • Economy
  • Election 2020
  • Elections in History
  • Cartoons
  • Features
  • Opinion
  • Editorial
  • Commentary
  • Guest Column
  • Analysis
  • Letters
  • In Person
  • Interview
  • Profile
  • Dateline
  • Specials
  • Myanmar Diary
  • Women & Gender
  • Places in History
  • On This Day
  • From the Archive
  • Myanmar & COVID-19
  • Intelligence
  • Myanmar-China Watch
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Food
  • Fashion & Design
  • Videos
  • Photos
  • Photo Essay
  • Donation

About The Irrawaddy

Founded in 1993 by a group of Myanmar journalists living in exile in Thailand, The Irrawaddy is a leading source of reliable news, information, and analysis on Burma/Myanmar and the Southeast Asian region. From its inception, The Irrawaddy has been an independent news media group, unaffiliated with any political party, organization or government. We believe that media must be free and independent and we strive to preserve press freedom.

  • Copyright
  • Code of Ethics
  • Privacy Policy
  • Team
  • About Us
  • Careers
  • Contact
  • Burmese

© 2023 Irrawaddy Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
    • Burma
    • Politics
    • World
    • Asia
    • Myanmar’s Crisis & the World
    • Ethnic Issues
    • War Against the Junta
    • Junta Cronies
    • Conflicts In Numbers
    • Junta Watch
    • Fact Check
    • Investigation
    • Myanmar-China Watch
    • Obituaries
  • Politics
  • Opinion
    • Commentary
    • Guest Column
    • Analysis
    • Editorial
    • Stories That Shaped Us
    • Letters
  • Ethnic Issues
  • War Against the Junta
  • In Person
    • Interview
    • Profile
  • Business
    • Economy
    • Business Roundup
  • Books
  • Donation

© 2023 Irrawaddy Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.