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THE EDUCATOR

Date Rape Information

The following information is being provided to heighten our awareness to a reprehensible trend taking place on the west coast of the United States, Date Rape. Please familiarize yourself and share the following information with the numerous disciplines dealing with sexual assaults and rape.

FLUNITRAZEPAM (Rohypnol) and GAMMA HYDROXY BUTYRATE (GM) ALERT

Flunitrazepam and Gamma Hydroxy Butyrate are two drugs that have experienced an increase in popularity as "date rape drugs". Both of these substances reduce the victim's ability to resist the assault, and recall the event later.

These substances are detectable in the victim's blood for approximately 4 hours following ingestion. The amount of time that the victim will be incapacitated with Gamma Hydroxy Butyrate will be approximately 4 hours, while with Flunitrazepam the incapacitation will last approximately 12 hours. This timeframe makes detection of the substance in the victim's blood unlikely. Tests of the victim's urine may yield traces of both substances up to 72 hours following ingestion, with the best window of detection lasting up to 36 hours.

Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol):

This substance, while colorless and tasteless, can be dissolved in a drink and administered to the intended victim. The onset of 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.

When suspecting sexual assault, the victim may report a vague feeling that he/she has been sexually assaulted, and may report a "cameo glimpse" (still pictures) of their assailant and/or the assault.

The effects of this drug may last up to 12 hours.

Gamma Hydroxy Butyrate (GHB):

This substance, while colorless with a salty taste, can be administered in a drink to the intended victim. The onset of 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 (see above).

The effect of this drug may last up to 4 hours. It is not uncommon for the victim to experience immediate sobriety at the end of that time period.

This substance can be produced in clandestine laboratories.

Please contact Pierce County Sheriff Department, Detective Sergeant Thomas Lind at (253) 798-7713 or WSNIA President Roger C. Lake at (360) 867-0523 for further information.