DATE RAPE DRUGS 'OUT THERE'

Neither the Coast Garibaldi Health Authority nor the Whistler/Pemberton
RCMP have any statistics involving the use of date rape drugs, but both
acknowledge that it is going on. Most events aren't formally reported, and
the ones that are often lack proof - both common date rape drugs, GHB and
Rohypnol, are all but impossible to detect more than eight hours after they
enter the blood stream.

Pique Newsmagazine received a report of three suspected cases in the last
six weeks through a friend of the victims. Two of the girls were taken to a
hospital in Squamish, according to the report, and one made it home with
the help of a friend.

Paul Martiquet, the Medical Health Officer for the Coast Garibaldi region,
does not know of any specific cases, but says it is happening in the corridor.

"I wouldn't say it's a growing problem, but I think it's a problem that the
readership should be aware of," he said. "It is going on, and we have been
made aware of it in the past. I think it's important that women in Whistler
know it's a risk and to take preventative measures to keep it from happening."

Both GHB and Rohypnol are turning up. Both are available on the street, and
are undetectable in drinks.

To protect themselves, women should not leave their drinks unattended, and
should be aware of the symptoms.

"Essentially what happens is that both drugs depress the respiratory system
and they can cause a little reduction in social inhibitions at a low level.
At a high level you get an unexplained euphoria that gives way to sedation,
so if you're feeling low, getting too high off a drink than what the
alcohol could account for, then you need to make a friend aware of that,"
said Martiquet.

Dizziness, vertigo, seizures, vomiting and drowsiness are also symptoms.

If you think you've been targetted, go to an emergency room to have your
urine tested.

There are no statistics for the occurrence of date rate drugs in Whistler
because it is hard to detect, but Martiquet says it's important to go to
the police to help generate more accurate numbers.

Community policing officer Michelle Nisbet says the RCMP don't get many
complaints from the public that can be verified by tests, but says they
believe it's going on in Whistler.

"It's hard to get stats, but it's reasonable to expect cases are going
unreported," said Nisbet.

"Our advice for girls is don't leave your drink alone, and don't put it
down, keep it in your hand. Always go out with a group, and keep an eye on
each other. "I wouldn't say it's a massive problem, but it's something that
surfaces every so often."