An increase in the number of reported drugging and date-robberies has occurred in recent months. Alleged victims are reporting waking with a strange groggy feeling, not remembering the night before, finding wallets emptied of cash, cards, and often other household items of value missing.
The usual drugs associated with date-rape type events are Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB or G), Rohypnolis (Roofies), and less commonly Ketamine hydrochloride (K, Special K.) All of these drugs have or had legitimate uses in controlled and prescribed conditions however when combined with alcohol they may become powerful and dangerous sedative leaving the victims brain unable to save and process short-term memory into long-term memory among other and possibly more deadly effects. The victim often wakes up 6-24 hours later with no memory of the night before.
Don’t carry large quantities of cash or credit cards in your wallet, brag about the Picasso hanging in your living room, accept drinks from strangers unless you actually see the bartender pour/open it, or leave your drink out of your view even for a few seconds.
If someone buys you a drink and you feel socially awkward about turning down the cocktail try getting the attention of a friend or bartender and commenting in your own style “What a nice guy, he bought me a drink!” so there will be other people you know are aware of who is buying you drinks. Leaving a trail of witnesses may discourage a criminal from following through with a robbery or actually drugging you in the first place.
In date-rape type druggings the actually drugging often takes place with the second drink, after the perpetrator has purchased you the first drink to see if your going to make a good victim. It is also possible for someone to put something directly into your drink so always attend the drinks of your own purchase.
The best way to be safe is to go out with friends or let friends know you are out and when you should be home. Befriend the bartenders and door-persons as they are the eyes and ears of the inebriated. If you become a victim the bartender or door-person may notice you staggering out with someone, possibly intervene or at least know who you left with. This may be the best time to evaluate your designated driver options too.
Please, If you believe you have become the victim of a related crime please contact the local authority and be sure they file a report, even if they seem not to take it seriously. Another way to help is to let your community papers know what’s going on. Until the next time we see you out in the scene be safe. May your nights be memorable and have a drink for us.