07 June,2011 08:58 AM IST | | The FYI Team
On June 2, the MD of Kumud Drugs, was arrested for illegal smuggling of the date rape drug, Ketamine Hydrochloride. Officials seized around 1,000 kg of the drug worth Rs 3.6 crore. Active! gets you the dope on the drug that could have you fooled
1 When the date rape drugs are administered, it creates a sedative and hypnotic effect and can also lead to amnesia. Such drugs are used to spike drinks to sedate the victim before sexually assaulting them, hence such drugs are termed 'date rape drugs'.
2 The most commonly used drugs for date rape include alcohol, Ketamine Hydrochloride as well as prescription sleeping drugs -- Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) and Benzodiazepines (including Flunitrazepam, also known as Rohypnol or 'roofies'). According to a 1997 American study, alcohol is still the drug most frequently implicated in substance-assisted sexual assault. Most of the rape drugs are odourless and colourless making it tough to identify the usage. While GHB is available in the form of powder, liquid, and pills, Ketamine is available as a white powder and Rohypnol is available in pill form and dissolves in liquids. Alcohol is also a common date rape drug thanks to its availability and as it helps victims lose inhibition.u00a0
3 Some of the common side effects of consuming the date rape drug can be respiratory problems, coma and even death based on the amount of the drug consumed. Symptoms caused by GHB include drowsiness, dizziness, decrease in the heart rate, nausea, amnesia and seizures. Ketamine is characterised by side effects such as hallucinations, convulsions and loss of co-ordination while Rohypnol can cause low blood pressure, visual disturbances and amnesia. There could be several complications if the victim has an allergic reaction to the drug.
4 If you suspect that you have been drugged, an immediate urine test or blood test is the only method to find out conclusively. You can purchase a testing kit as well. Over a longer time span, the drugs tend to get diluted and ultimately flushed from the body.
5 Some of the precautionary measures involve simple measures such as never leaving your drink unattended and refusing to accept drinks from strangers.
