DATE-RAPE DRUG DEMANDS VIGILANCE

Local police are warning women to be careful while out on the town in light
of a rash of suspected date-rape sexual assaults in Vancouver.

Although there haven't been any recorded cases in Chilliwack, police have
often seized the drug, gamma hydroxy butyrate (GHB), at dance parties in
the area.

"I don't believe we've ever seen GHB used for date-rape purposes here,"
says RCMP Cpl. Peter Talvio. "We've seen it at raves. In fact, I believe
we've seized it in all instances."

Nevertheless, he says, it's important that women protect themselves against
the drug's potential date-rape use.

Since May, about 30 Vancouver women are believed to have been sexually
assaulted - waking up in their own beds unclothed with no recollection of
what has happened to them.

Police say most of the victims were targeted while partying at downtown
bars and nightclubs.

For this reason, Cpl. Talvio reminds women not to take drinks from
strangers, as the date-rape drug is often slipped into a glass. He also
recommends going to a club with a group of friends, rather than alone.

"And of course, women should never leave their drinks unattended," he says.
"If you're going to the bathroom to fix your make-up, for example, order a
new drink when you return."

Brian Caplan, promotional manager at Tornado Joe's Club and Grill, says
although he's never heard of any date-rape drug assaults in Chilliwack,
he's disturbed by the the possibility.

"Women need to be aware," he says. "At the club we have a drink check. If
someone is going outside and wants to finish their drink later, they can
leave it with the coat girl. Sometimes we have 15 drinks waiting in the check."

He also advises women to come in a group and to never leave drinks unattended.

"You need to be smart and safe and take care of yourself when you're here,"
he concludes.

GHB, known as the date-rape drug or salt water, is a colourless, odourless
substance that, when mixed with a strong or salty drink, is virtually
tasteless, explains Cpl. Talvio.

The illegal drug both physically and mentally relaxes the user, affecting
balance and reaction time, often causing a deep sleep. An overdose can be
deadly.

The drug was created to treat severe insomnia but, as a result of misuse,
has been made an illegal substance.

"Another important thing to note is that the drug dissipates from the body
quickly," adds Cpl. Talvio. "If a woman believes something has happened to
her, she should get a blood test done right away."