TEST FOR 'DATE RAPE' DRUG MAY SNARE SEX ATTACKERS

THE fight against the "date rape" drug Rohypnol has been bolstered by
scientists who will announce today that they can detect traces of the
substance in a woman's urine even a week after it is taken.

Rohypnol is a sedative that causes memory loss in strong doses. The tablets,
known as "roofies", are believed to have been given to thousands of women in
America and Europe by men intent on rape. The women do not remember being
attacked.

By the time the victims become suspicious all signs of the drug in their
systems may have gone. However, Irish scientists say they can detect minute
traces of the drug's breakdown products in urine.

In a trial reported in New Scientist, they detected it in those who took a
typical prescription dose of one milligram. Urine samples of those taking no
drugs, or other drugs of the same group (benzodiazepines), were negative.

Police will have a better chance of catching rapists and the test could be
miniaturised for women to check drinks.

Kieran Walshe, a biotechnologist at University College Dublin, who invented
the test with a team from Trinity College Dublin, said it could become
available for one pound a test.

Checked-by: Don Beck