DATE RAPE DRUGS FOUND IN ANTIGONISH

Police in Antigonish, together with St. Martha's Regional Hospital are
warning the public of the presence of date rape drugs in the area.

Sgt. Jay McInnis of the RCMP Antigonish detachment said police decided
to warn the public after they were contacted by the hospital.

Officials there have reported at least three cases of patients with
date rape drug symptoms checking into the hospital in the last 7-10
days.

"We've seen it surface twice in the last two years," McInnis said.

Police are investigating, but say it's difficult to confirm the drug's
presence through medical testing.

"It dissipates from the body so fast, and that's one of the problems
in trying to investigate it."

McInnis said trace amounts of the drug will only remain in a person's
system for about a day, so there's only a small window of opportunity
to identify it. Also, if a person has ingested the drugs, there's
usually very little recollection of the events.

It is for that reason McInnis said it was also difficult to determine
where the drugs could have been given.

The drugs, predominantly Rohypnol and GHB, are odourless and
colorless. Victims usually suffer from amnesia, disorientation and a
decreased level of consciousness. The drugs themselves are essentially
tranquilizers.

Police are asking the public to be vigilant in protecting themselves
from the drugs. Patrons at gatherings where liquor is served are
advised to not leave drinks unattended, not to accept drinks they have
not seen poured themselves and to drink responsibly.

Anyone with knowledge or concerns about the use of the drugs is
encouraged to contact the Antigonish RCMP or St. Martha's Regional
Hospital.