CONCERN OVER DATE RAPE DRUGS SPREADING TO RURAL COMMUNITIES

It's colourless, odourless and the taste is easily masked by alcohol making
it virtually impossible to detect, and it's hitting the scene with force.

With more than 30 cases reported in Vancouver since May, the date rape drug
has police sending out a strong warning.

"Watch your drinks," said St. Stg. Keith Hildebrand. "And drink with a
friend."

Although the drug has not been officially reported in the Quesnel area,
being aware and cautious is important.

The drug contains GHB - gamma hydroxy butyrate - a liquid that closely
resembles water. Within minutes the drug renders the victim unconscious for
two to four hours.

Most victims have little or no recollection of events after consuming the
drug, which makes it difficult to identify the culprit.

To further complicate matters, the drug is metabolised within 24 hours,
making medical detection extremely difficult.

While Vancouver has seen the bulk of date rape victims, the Comox Valley,
Courtenay and Nanaimo areas have had reports. This is cause for alarm, both
the Comox Valley and Courtenay are similar in size to Quesnel. This potent,
clear substance is not found only in big cities. "I don't feel any safer in
a small town," said Pam*. "You're more at risk if anything. You feel safer
because you know everyone. You just don't think about it here."

Pam should know, she has reason to believe her drink was spiked, here in the
Cariboo, with the date rape drug. What makes Pam's story notable is that the
culprit could have been an acquaintance of hers. "A small group of us were
hanging out," she said. "We were having a good time, very casual. I had had
several drinks, I was feeling it, but I had not exceeded my limit."

The events that took place shortly after are a blur to Pam and have left her
questioning what exactly transpired.

"I began to feel really woozy," she said. "A friend drove me home, I guess
he went back out right after that, I don't know. I remember throwing up, I
had never felt that sick before."

Pam doesn't remember going to bed or undressing. But she woke up naked and
disoriented.

"I was so convinced that I had been drugged that I called my mom and asked
if she would look up my symptoms on the Internet," she said.

Pam did not notify authorities. She, like so many others, desperately tries
to recall the events of that evening.

"It's all a matter of I don't know," she said. "I just try to brush it off
as a bad evening."

Unfortunately Pam's way of dealing with the possibility of being drugged is
not uncommon. For Leah*, the thought of going to authorities on speculation
would be completely mortifying.

Pam agrees, and as much as she hates to admit it, says there's a measure of
guilt and shame in being the victim.

"Especially when you factor in alcohol," she said. "You put yourself in that
position and as soon as you mention drinking, people begin to doubt you."

Pam also feels that the "small town mentality" contributes to many women not
coming forward with suspected date rape drug incidents. "In a small town you
don't want to bring anyone into it," she said. "Especially if your
reputation is less than perfect."

Leah agrees. The "damned if you do, damned if you don't" saying comes to
mind.

"Basically she'd be facing the whole, 'well it couldn't happen to her
because she gives it up anyway,'" Pam said. "But that's even more reason -
she's an easy target."

So what's next? Carry around disposable lids? Trust no one? Sound harsh?
Tell that to Pam or Leah or the girl they found naked in an abandoned lot in
south Vancouver.

*Names were changed to protect their identity.