Pubdate: Fri, 14 Jun 2002
Source: Leduc Representative (CN AB)
Section: Ask A Cop
Address: 4504 - 61 Avenue, Leduc, Alberta, Canada T9E 3Z1
Phone: (780) 986-2271
Fax: (780) 986-6397
Website: http://www.leducrepresentative.com/
Copyright: Copyright  Leduc Representative
Webpage: 
www.leducrepresentative.com/BranchSites/story.lasso?RID=35229&onlinenumber=004
Author: JP Birtz, Const.

Ask A Cop

QUESTION: WHAT IS A DATE RAPE DRUG?

A pounding headache and a sense that someone has had sex may be all the 
victim knows and remembers.

Alcohol has become a favorite carrier for various "date rape drugs" 
creating a dangerous and potentially lethal combination.

The purpose of a Date Rape Drug is to render a victim incapable of 
resisting sexual assault. Found just about anywhere, from schools to clubs, 
these drugs are tasteless, colorless and odorless, and severely increase 
your chances of being sexually assaulted. Most drugs in current use leave 
the victim with little, if any, memory of the assault.

Flunitrazepam, Gamma Hydroxy Butyrate and Ketamine are three drugs that 
have experienced an increase in popularity as "date rape drugs". These 
substances reduce the victim's ability to resist the assault, and recall 
the event later. They are detectable in the victim's blood for 
approximately four hours following ingestion. Tests of the victim's urine 
may detect traces of both substances up to 72 hours following ingestion.

Flunitrazepam or Rohypnol is a white and tasteless substance and can be 
dissolved in liquids. The  effects will be within 15 to 20 minutes. The 
victim may experience; loss of inhibition, tranquillity, slurred speech, 
dizziness, confusion, impaired judgment, hallucinations, blackouts, and 
memory loss. The effects of this drug may last up to 12 hours.

Gamma Hydroxy Butyrate or GHB is a substance that is also colorless but has 
a salty taste. The effects will be within 10 to 20 minutes. The victim may 
experience; euphoria, loss of inhibition, loss of coordination, impaired 
judgment, dizziness, memory loss, nausea, respiratory depression, coma, and 
in some cases death. The victim will generally vomit. Sexual assault 
situations are similar to those experienced with Flunitxazepam. The effect 
of this drug may last up to four hours. It is not uncommon for the victim 
to experience immediate sobriety at the end of that time period. This 
substance is sometime produced in clandestine laboratories.

Ketamine is more powerful than flunitrazepam. An overdose results in coma 
or maybe death. It is usually a clear white powder, though it has been used 
in liquid or capsule form. It takes about five minutes to take effect after 
being inhaled, and about 20 minutes if ingested. The first reaction is a 
powerful hallucinatory trip which usually lasts about 20 minutes to an 
hour. Here are a few tips to follow. Never accept a drink from a stranger. 
If you recognize a drug or its packaging at a party, LEAVE IMMEDIATELY and 
contact the police. Party by the buddy system. Don't drink from a punch 
bowl. If your drink taste funny, get rid of it. If you think you have been 
a victim seek medical assistance immediately.

To forward your question to Const. JP Birtz please send them to or drop 
them off at the Leduc RCMP detachment, located at #1, 4119-50 St., Leduc, 
AB T9E 7L9. You may also e-mail them to  or fax them 
to 986-9569. Make sure all correspondence is to Const. Birtz's attention. 
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MAP posted-by: Beth