PILL MAY BETRAY TRUE COLORS OF A DATE-RAPIST

The days--and nights--of women rejecting drink offers from men may be a
little closer to extinction (and not just because such offers are rarer
these days).

Hoffmann-La Roche, the makers of Rohypnol, known as a "date-rape drug,"
have altered the sedating pill so that it dissolves more slowly in liquid
and releases a bright blue color. When it's used in darker liquids, the
beverage appears murky.

"The formula was changed because of reports that (drugging of women) was
happening," said Gail Safian, spokeswoman for Rohypnol.

Although it's not sold in the U.S., Rohypnol often is smuggled from Mexico
and Colombia, Safian said. The new formula has been approved in 10
countries, including Mexico, Safian said.

Rohypnol is just one of many substances--alcohol being the most
common--associated with sexual assault, so women should always be cautious
at bars or parties, directors of rape crisis centers say.

Checked-by: Mike Gogulski