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. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth