DATE-RAPE PILLS TO BE OUTLAWED

NEW curbs are to be imposed on the "date-rape" drug Rohypnol amid growing
concern that women have been sexually attacked after consuming spiked
drinks.

The tiny diamond-shaped purple tablet is so fast-acting that a woman given
it would rarely remember anything of a subsequent assault.

Until three months ago, Rohypnol was colourless when ground up, but Roche,
the manufacturer, changed its makeup so that it releases a blue dye when
dissolved. Rohypnol, known on the streets as Roofie, can induce a
trance-like state within 15 minutes. It is tasteless and odourless.

From May 1, it will be a criminal offence to possess flunitrazepam, which
is usually sold under its trade name of Rohypnol. Anyone convicted of
possessing the drug without prescription faces a maximum penalty of two
years' imprisonment, an unlimited fine or both.

Pharmacies and warehouses will be required to store the drug, prescribed as
a sleeping tablet, more securely and import and export licences will be
required.

George Howarth, a Home Office minister, welcomed the decision to
reformulate the drug. "This action, together with tighter statutory
controls, should help reduce its potential for misuse," he said.

Despite concerns about wide use of flunitrazepam in rape cases, there is
little solid evidence. The Forensic Science Service did not find the drug
during tests related to 18 rape cases in England and Wales in 1997.

Flunitrazepam is one of a group of sleeping drugs regarded by doctors as
having few adverse effects and being relatively safe in overdose.