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QUESTION: WHAT IS A DATE RAPE DRUG?

A pounding headache and a sense that someone has had sex may be all the
victim knows and remembers.

Alcohol has become a favorite carrier for various "date rape drugs"
creating a dangerous and potentially lethal combination.

The purpose of a Date Rape Drug is to render a victim incapable of
resisting sexual assault. Found just about anywhere, from schools to clubs,
these drugs are tasteless, colorless and odorless, and severely increase
your chances of being sexually assaulted. Most drugs in current use leave
the victim with little, if any, memory of the assault.

Flunitrazepam, Gamma Hydroxy Butyrate and Ketamine are three drugs that
have experienced an increase in popularity as "date rape drugs". These
substances reduce the victim's ability to resist the assault, and recall
the event later. They are detectable in the victim's blood for
approximately four hours following ingestion. Tests of the victim's urine
may detect traces of both substances up to 72 hours following ingestion.

Flunitrazepam or Rohypnol is a white and tasteless substance and can be
dissolved in liquids. The effects will be within 15 to 20 minutes. The
victim may experience; loss of inhibition, tranquillity, slurred speech,
dizziness, confusion, impaired judgment, hallucinations, blackouts, and
memory loss. The effects of this drug may last up to 12 hours.

Gamma Hydroxy Butyrate or GHB is a substance that is also colorless but has
a salty taste. The effects will be within 10 to 20 minutes. The victim may
experience; euphoria, loss of inhibition, loss of coordination, impaired
judgment, dizziness, memory loss, nausea, respiratory depression, coma, and
in some cases death. The victim will generally vomit. Sexual assault
situations are similar to those experienced with Flunitxazepam. The effect
of this drug may last up to four hours. It is not uncommon for the victim
to experience immediate sobriety at the end of that time period. This
substance is sometime produced in clandestine laboratories.

Ketamine is more powerful than flunitrazepam. An overdose results in coma
or maybe death. It is usually a clear white powder, though it has been used
in liquid or capsule form. It takes about five minutes to take effect after
being inhaled, and about 20 minutes if ingested. The first reaction is a
powerful hallucinatory trip which usually lasts about 20 minutes to an
hour. Here are a few tips to follow. Never accept a drink from a stranger.
If you recognize a drug or its packaging at a party, LEAVE IMMEDIATELY and
contact the police. Party by the buddy system. Don't drink from a punch
bowl. If your drink taste funny, get rid of it. If you think you have been
a victim seek medical assistance immediately.

To forward your question to Const. JP Birtz please send them to or drop
them off at the Leduc RCMP detachment, located at #1, 4119-50 St., Leduc,
AB T9E 7L9. You may also e-mail them to JPBIRTZ@rcmp-grc.gc.ca or fax them
to 986-9569. Make sure all correspondence is to Const. Birtz's attention.