Date Rape in South Africa

As a street drug, Rohypnol is also used in combination with alcohol to enhance the feeling of drunkenness. It has been reported that it is used in combination with cannabis/marijuana or tobacco to boost the high of heroin and to ease the comedown from cocaine or crack binge. (Users parachute to remedy the depression that follows a stimulant-induced high). Flunitrazepam is also used as a substitute for Welcome (Pinks). Using Flunitrazepam with alcohol may produce extremely low blood pressure, respiratory depression, and difficulty in breathing, coma or even death.

Similarities between GHB, Ketamine and Rohypnol

It is difficult to predict the exact effects of any dug on a particular individual. Effects will vary depending upon the drug, the dose ingested, whether it is mixed with alcohol or other drugs, weight, gender and metabolism but in Mickeys, specifically the price can be death. There are many parallels between GHB, Ketamine and Rohypnol. None of them was manufactured to be abused. Synergism (the effects of individual drugs are more intense when used in combination than when used on their own) plays an important part. Other similarities include: availability and appearance, the venues and the age of people that use them, the significant abuse potential and the destructiveness. All of these drugs are used in combination with other drugs, especially alcohol. According to the Medical Research Council technical report, April, 1999, alcohol is the most common substance of abuse among patients seen at specialist treatment centers in Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth and Gauteng, accounting for up to 68% of admissions.

Special considerations for police investigators

Antegograde amnesia (memory impairment) and drowsiness in victim.

Clandestine production (look for containers, laboratory equipment).

These drugs are the PERFECT AGENTS FOR DATE RAPE and indecent assault; when hidden in a drink it may be completely undetectable.

Precautions

• Don't use it.
• Don't take drugs from strangers.
• Avoid beverages you didn't open yourself.
• Drink from tamper-proof bottles/cans.
• Don't fall for that new drink.
• Watch for signs of intoxication.
• Don't go anywhere with anyone you don't trust.
• Do not ask someone to watch your drink.
• Personally observe any beverage being mixed or prepared.

Signs that you may have been drugged

• If you feel a lot more intoxicated than you should, considering your usual response to the amount of alcohol that you have consumed.
• If you wake up feeling weird or crazy, experience a memory lapse and cannot account for what has happened over a period of time.
• If you remember taking a drink but cannot recall what happened for a period of time after you consumed the drink.
• If you feel as though someone has had sex with you, but you cannot remember any of or all the detail of the incident.

What to do if it happens to you

• Move to a safe place, not out on the street!
• Call the police, who will refer you for medical care.
• Request that the district surgeon take a urine and blood sample for drug toxicology testing.
• Reserve as much physical evidence as possible. Do not urinate, shower or bathe, don't throwaway or wash the clothing you were wearing during the incident. If possible, save any other materials that might provide evidence, such as the glass that contained your drink.

ASSA / VASSA / TSSA
Tel: + 27 11 482 2034
Fax: 086 556 2232

Postal Address:
P O Box 46171
Orange Grove
Johannesburg, 2119
South Africa