DRUGS IN DRINKS: BEVERAGE SPIKINGS CAUSING A STIR IN CHICO

Sick, stumbling, blacked out and experiencing what seemed like the
worst hangover imaginable.

These are just some of the symptoms that have prompted an
investigation by the Chico Police Department into drink spikings.

The information has primarily come from sources like Chico State
University student Elissa Moody, who said incidents of druggings
appear rampant in the community.

During a recent on-campus safety committee meeting, Moody told
members about her good friend, who became violently ill during an
outing at a Chico nightclub in the fall.

The woman, Moody's sorority sister, had one glass of wine before
heading to the bar, and one drink when she arrived.

"She was in the bathroom about 10 minutes later, vomiting violently,"
said Moody, who serves as the vice president of philanthropy and
community service for Chico State's Panhellenic Council.

Emerging in a drunken-like state, she was soon asked to leave the
bar, Moody said. Friends looked after the woman, who continued to
vomit at home, and slept until late afternoon the next day.

When Moody told the story, she discovered it wasn't an isolated
incident. Four other students present at the meeting opened up with
similar tales. Two of them, she said, both men, were sure they'd also
been victims the same evening at the same establishment, she said.

"It's almost like someone is indiscriminately drugging these people,"
said Moody, who has heard additional stories around campus.

And until recently, none of the incidents were reported to police, Moody added.

The Chico State senior, and the other students, repeated the stories
last week to Chico police and campus officials, who were alarmed
enough to take action.

Chico police Chief Bruce Hagerty said rumors about drink spiking have
been circulating for years, and incidents are infrequently reported.
But this was the first time police have heard about such a vast
number of occurrences, he said.

The department has launched an investigation, Hagerty said, but it
needs input from the public to get a clear picture of what's going on.

To get that information, the police are asking those who think
they've been drugged to contact the department at a special line
(897-4942) dedicated to the investigation. Callers can remain
anonymous, Hagerty added.

"In the meantime, people should be more mindful of their drinks,"
Hagerty said. "And don't let strangers buy them a drink."

Shauna Quinn, program manager at Chico State's Campus Alcohol and
Drug Education Center, is working on a flier with similar tips to
help keep students safe.

Among the advice: Do not drink anything you didn't open yourself or
see poured. Do not share or exchange drinks. Never leave your drink
unattended. Don't drink anything with an unusual foam or taste.

The information will be posted across campus and given to students
living in on-campus housing. The fliers will also be dispersed from
CADEC's walking under-the-influence table, an information booth set
up from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. on certain evenings in areas heavily
traveled by students.

Last spring, three students tested positive for gamma
hydroxybutyrate, or GHB, a date-rape drug, after drinking from a
common punch bowl at a party, Quinn said. But most who think they've
been drugged don't get tested, so the incidents go unreported.

Police Sgt. Robyn Hearne, a detective at the University Police
Department, said GHB is odorless and tasteless. And it needs to be
tested for within a fairly short period of time.

Extasy and rohipinol are also used as date-rape drugs. Common side
effects of the drugs include memory loss, passing out, and an
intoxicated feeling.

Those who think they've been drugged, Hearne said, should immediately
contact the police and not urinate. Seeking medical treatment is also
encouraged for those who suspect they may have been sexually assaulted.

A special team of nurses at Enloe Medical Center is trained to assist
victims and collect evidence, but Hearne said no one is ever forced
to seek treatment.

"We're more concerned about their safety and well-being, and about
the evidence second," she said.

Jim Moon, Chico State's vice president of student affairs, was
present for the initial meeting where Moody spoke up. He was
especially alarmed by a story about a young woman who awoke in a
hotel room and had no idea how she got there.

Moon said it appears some students left their beverages unattended
and some were given them, but others, who purchased their drinks
themselves, were initially concerned a bartender could be spiking the
drinks, Moon said.

But as he and Moody pointed out, most incidents occurred on busy
nights where slipping something into the drinks could happen undetected.

"There's a lot of sleight of hand at bars," said Moody, who is much
more wary lately.

Nowadays, going out, whether to bars or parties, it's key to stay
with trusted friends or avoid busy nights altogether, she said.

The incidents of druggings are too prevalent to take any risks, Moody said.

"It's very, very disturbing."