USE OF 'DATE RAPE' DRUG ON THE RISE

A taskforce is to tighten controls on the tranquilliser ketamine amid
growing abuse and fears it is being used in "date rapes".

Since last year when the first case of ketamine abuse was reported,
there have been 21 reported cases. The authorities handled 40 cases
involving possession of 2.08 kilos of the substance.

Originally used as animal tranquilliser, ketamine can result in
hallucinations and lead users to cause unwitting injury to themselves.

Ketamine can cause people to lose control, and officials fear it may
have been used in attacks on women. Seizures of ketamine by police
early this year revealed the drug had gained popularity as a party
drug.

"In view of the observed trend of increased ketamine abuse and its
high abuse potential in the face of a growing 'rave' culture, it is
recommended ketamine be controlled," said Commissioner for Narcotics
Clarie Lo.

The Government was now lobbying for a legal change to include ketamine
in the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, she added.

An Action Committee Against Narcotics taskforce has decided on a
series of measures to tackle drug abuse. A seven-member ad hoc
research group will conduct and oversee a study on treatment and
rehabilitation of psychotropic drug abusers, as well as work with a
focus group of the abusers.

The first study aims to examine current methods and models used to
treat and rehabilitate psychotropic substance abusers.

The second - a focus group study - will look into special
characteristics and abuse patterns. It will address the problem of
cross-border drug abuse by SAR residents.

The two studies will take about six months to complete. The task force
expects to receive the final reports at the end of this year. "Ice"
and Ecstasy are popular types of the so-called "recreational" drugs,
but new drugs - such as ketamine - have recently entered the scene.