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DATE RAPE DRUGS
The drug Ecstasy, as seen in a police crime exhibit. (file photo)
Published on: 1/23/2010.
by MICHELLE SPRINGER
SOME BARTENDERS are aiding sexual predators by slipping date rape drugs into drinks of nightclub patrons, say police.
The Royal Barbados Police Force are aware of the practice and yesterday Detective Constable Antonio Marshall made a point of giving advance warning to 13-year-olds - who cannot legally enter nightclubs - about risks of accepting drinks from people they did not know and in leaving drinks unsupervised.
The third formers from the island's secondary schools were attending a seminar organised by the National Council on Substance Abuse in collaboration with the Emerging Global Leaders of Barbados.
The seminar, which formed part of the activities for Drug Awareness Month, took place at Solidarity House, the headquarters of the Barbados Workers' Union at Harmony Hall, St Michael.
Marshall told the SATURDAY SUN that although no statistics were available on the prevalence of drugs such as Ecstasy and Rohypnol (ruffies) the RBPF was concerned about the reports they were receiving.
"Sometimes we get people coming to us stating they were drugged or we get calls from people who observe these activities in the clubs," he said.
By the time those reports were received, there was virtually no evidence to trace the drugging.
The most common effects include a loss of inhibitions, amnesia, excitability and confusion. In many cases young girls have been sexually molested after drinking a Rohypnol-laced drink.
"Fifty per cent of the time the bartenders are involved," Marshall said, adding that while few people came forward with official complaints the police were aware of their modus operandi.
"There are things I may not be able to divulge to [the Press] but we get privileged information from certain people that will lead us to investigate certain things . . .," he said, pleading with the public to be more forthcoming with information regarding the drugs.
Unfortunately, Marshall said, the police were not in a position to search clients ad hoc in a night club for such substances.
"When the police pass through night clubs, it's to make sure there's no misbehaviour. However, it's left up to security personnel to do the searching and if there is something that they are not familiar with, to call us," he said.
SATURDAY SUN has received reports of incidents where young men, in collaboration with bartenders at a certain night club, slip the tasteless, odorless and colourless "ruffie" into young ladies' drinks.
Similar reports have also reached the police.
31 comment found!
BUT... : 1/30/2010
...but it was an EXPENSIVE bottle...LOL
CDG : 1/29/2010
Mel Prophet has a point about Ecstasy, which was the drug shown (rather misleadingly) in the picture accompanying the article. Ecstasy is used as a mood enhancer, not as a date rape drug. A dangerous mood enhancer, by the way, as more than a few deaths have been attributed to it. Rohypnol and similar are used as date rape drugs, as mentioned further down in the article. They have the effect of knocking out the victim and/or leaving them with no memory of what has happened to them.
Some 30 odd years ago in the days when I would go out dancing with friends, the rule was (yes even back then) that once you had left your drink unattended for any period of time, to leave it and get a fresh one. Obviously we need to warn the young people to be even more vigilent now.
: 1/29/2010
To chupssse:
The fact that you took the bottle of wine means that the bribe worked! How sad :(
yes, it is true! : 1/27/2010
the clubs and hotel establishments know full well that this goes on...when it was done to me i told them that someone put something in my sprite and they swept it under the rug, bajan style. the owners gave me a bottle of expensive champagne to keep me quiet.
women are not valued in our society. i am so grateful that nothing happened to me and that i was able to get away before any physical harm was done to me against my will. people who do this are dogs. and i still say that a real man does not have to do this, a real man can get a woman on his own.
THIS IS VERY TRUE! : 1/26/2010
I am a woman of 46yrs old and i dont let anyone i dont know go and get a drink for me. I buy my own drinks. However one night in a very popular night club i went an ordered my drink. A friend whom i saw said hello to me and i had my drink in my hand and just turned for a split second, it might have happened then or it was already in my drink before i got it and the only way this would have been so. All arrows pointed to the barman. After two sips i started to feel a feeling that put me into a state of amnesia. I knew something was put in my drink. I told my friends that i was feeling well and told them to get a taxi. Thats really all i remembered. To cut a long story short. The taxi man stole my money and my phone. I knew this the next day. The girl that was with me was french and hardly spoke English. There was alot of what ifs i asked myself. Suppose this was my daughter. I had only taken two sips. Trust me, my tolerance for medication and alcohol has always been very high. I was no use to myself for two days. I watched my friend the next day cry as i suffered. I went to the doctor but it was too much confusion and i waited too long to do this. Do not be dumb and think that these things are not happening. Its is as true as the stars in the sky. Parents can only do so much. It is also known that friends put these drugs into drinks. Some friend. You may allow your child to go out to certain events knowing their is adult supervision and no alcohol. It does not have to be alcohol. Any liquid will do. So we need to put our heads together and stop pointing fingers and just airing our mouths. I believe that prevention is better than cure. We must start to educate our youth for warning signs in any form.
DRS
hmm : 1/26/2010
I noticed also, the ad on the radio some days ago for a particular night club "ladies 18 and up males 21 up" and I though now what are they up to??
Be careful : 1/26/2010
Teens aren't the only ones at risk. This can happen to anyone at any age. When people go out they need to pay attention to who's serving and bringing them drinks and try to be cautious.
I watch when my drink is being poured; I have an opener on my key chain and i open my beers and other brews myself. Also, the way things are these days if i party certain places i don't buy one france if the bar is too crowded.
More needs to be done at the doors for some of these clubs as well. Let's face it - teens today look like grown adults and I know for sure they don't always ask for ID.
People don't party responsibly most of the time now anyway. Nothing wrong with enjoying yourself but clubbing and drinking till you aren't even aware of your surroundings is nonsense. The predators don't have to waste their drugs on those ones. Just liquor them up good and do what they want.
Be careful people.
DRUGS/DATE RAPE : 1/26/2010
Please get your hands on a movie call "reefer Madness" , it will be an eye opener .
let me say this... : 1/26/2010
first of all a body has no business putting any substance into anyone's drink. it does not have to be alcohol. a man put the date rape drug in a sprite, fortunately after two small sips something did not feel right and i left the club.
point well taken, do not accept anything from anyone, that you did not get for yourself and see poured, better yet, drink from a can. if you put it down, leave it.
some people are just evil, others are just arrogant. only a weak man with nothing to offer would drug a woman. apparently he is a loser...otherwise he would not have to depend on making her helpless. if you want to use, then do so. take all you want. but leave others alone.
Date Rape? : 1/25/2010
Well after my run-in with two of the products of this society about ten minutes ago, I don't see why date rape drugs are at all necessary to get some of these teenagers into bed. Some of these little girls are "hot and force ripe" and if I had my way I would ensure that all my taxes go to the RSPCA instead. I witnessed one little girl in uniform, not under the influence either, kissing a man on the street. What young ladies? Most of them should be referred to as young females. I don't blame the bartenders, what right does a teenaged girl have in a bar? It is the parents who should be brought before the courts and locked up for allowing their children to go to these places where alcohol is served. These same parents do not ensure that these children get some type of spiritual upbringing. No where in this article did I see any reproach for the parents. Place the blame where it lies.
Drink and Drive ,2010 style : 1/25/2010
We knew for a long time that this drug was available outside of the island, and we sat back as usual ,did nothing,pass no legislation banning the import and distribution . And now that the chickens(or male birds) have come home to roost we are pulling our hairs out.
We as a people,and especially those we pay highly to look after our interest, should be more proactive.
: 1/25/2010
I think it will profit Mel to just read and not respond to some articles . This i know for a fact happens .I am not a reporter .I do not go into clubs drinking but other people do and they talk .Some time last year i over heard a young lady behind a cash register saying to one of her co workers that apparently the bartender at a popular club slipped something into her drink .She was relating that a little while after taking this one drink she began feeling "sweet "as she put it and her other friend who was there had to take her home .Now everyone may not be that fortunate . All of us have a role to play here .First of all young women or women in general should refuse drinks from strangers or so called friends in these clubs . If they do accept it should be something they pour for them selves which should be preferably sprite or a soft drink . Pretending to friends that you can handle the alcohol and all the "big mouth" drinks is childish and dangerous . This drinks free and ladies free should be another cause for concern .This may be a good way to get patrons but at the same time some unscrupulous persons may see another way of getting to abuse women. Women and girls should never be in such a party mood that they let their guards down .This is something that our young ladies need to know and adhere too . Many persons may see nothing wrong with this .They see it as fun and as a way to make the girls "fee up " in the party .Constable Marshall was talking to those thirteen year old students but i am sure that this talk and article will apply to several females, especially over that age.Anyone following these basic rules will be fine .If you are thirsty drink water straight from the tap .If you are going to purchase a drink make sure it is a sprite and get it in a bottle so you can break the seal yourself .
Sick : 1/25/2010
Our women need to say no to free drinks and as a matter of fact anything that is free.You may end up paying the price another way . Women if you have no money to purchase your own drink stay at home if you are going to be that thirsty.Too many young women leave home and depend on specials .Firsts one hundred ladies admitted free, the ladies of five crew admitted at half price,the buy one get one drink free,the drinks free until 11 oclock and all that . Ladies should not be going into any club and drinking alcohol and certainly not excessively . We cannot depend on our so called friends to have our backs because they too may be plastered . They are too many of our males who sit for hours and watch these blue movies which they are now calling real action .Therefore when you hear men talking about a movie they watched that was action packed you know it is not the usual . They move from the movies to real life .For some it is a thrill to see how many young girls and women they can abuse sexually . For some it may be payback time for which ever reason . This is all wrong how ever you look at it . Some of them may slip it in drinks or the bartenders may do the jobs .We have alot of persons with depraved minds in our mids and women need to be vigilant at all times .
To Mel Prophet : 1/25/2010
It seems to me that you are gradually growing into a Mal Prophet. Why bash the messengers who bring bad new or good news? These reporters are journalists who report stories, they are not necessarily experts in the subject matter of the stories they report; they quote people. You come over as very arrogant and a "Know-all." If you are in a position to throw light on certain subjects, then by all means do so, enlighten people but for God sake do not belittle others just to elevate yourself. Constructive criticism is most welcome, but there are ways and means of doing it.
dATE RAPE DRUGS : 1/24/2010
Be very carefull with the free drinks children. Well..they are not so free after all. Buy what you need and get drunk on your own dime! When I was a young adult and partying it was just a double rum and coke and lots of persuasion..not little persuasion a lots of the disinhibitor.
DATE RAPE DRUGS : 1/24/2010
I notice my commentary not posted. No surprises there. Licks in the Police and the media eh?
Sylvester Forde, horse out de stable? There are young women out there (Barbados) looking for a "good time" and the connation here means sex. Granted, both men and women are looking for the same thrill.
Know what? Still don't men regardless of their claim to fame, professin or sexual deviation to perpetuate these actions on our females.
My previous wasn't posted and it wasn't surprising as the language and actions to be taken were "strong", yet withouot strong leadership and morals, where are we as a people. All of you need to check www.bajantube.com and see the promotions ofr the 21..... club.
Who tell these young "ladies" to dress and go? The age for the females is 18 and up, and the males? 21 and up?
Maybe a father/brother/unce/cousin will take it into his head to tag along wiht his relative for "her protection" and then what?
What are we going to charge the young man with for protecting his family?
As a society we let what comes out of America slowly but surely erode our culture.
Let me think on this some more
TWO WAYS : 1/24/2010
Yes, the bartenders are evil people, but let us look at our children and the activities we either turn a blind eye to or promote. None of my children would even be caught in a nightclub.
Plan of Action!! : 1/24/2010
First, place undercover officers in the nightclubs to determine if underage children are being allowed into the clubs. If so, impose a heavy fine on the club owner. Maybe a $15,000 fine for first offence, $25,000 dollar fine for a second offense, and a $50,000 fine plus club closure, and possible jail time for a third offense. Put the responsibility of verifying ID on the club owner. Secondly, The authorities need to treat these date rape drugs as seriously as cocaine, crack, or heroin. Anyone caught in possession of these drugs should be punished just as severely as someone caught with heroin. Thirdly, the country needs to explore the option of using drug-sniffing dogs at all points of entry, including the airport and ship terminals. This would put a dent on the importation of the drugs from abroad. The priorities of the customs officials needs to be changed from preventing sellable clothing from entering the country and focus more on dangerous drugs and guns from entering. I am sick and tired of being asked about the numbers of jeans and shoes I have. It's drugs and guns the law enforcement community should be concentrating their efforts on. Get With It BARBADOS!!!
: 1/24/2010
It is happening at the bars in the hotels too
: 1/24/2010
Miss Springer, do you even understand what you're talking about, or are you just relaying statements from people who have absolutely no personal experience with such substances?
Yes, I know my comments will soon be banned because I constantly question the quality of your(the nation) reporting! But maybe, just maybe, you'll finally raise the quality of your work.
What is a date rape drug? Who becomes the victim? Define victim.
MDMA(main component of xtc) triggers happy feelings, it makes you want to dance. It makes you feels fantasic, it doesn't make you into some helpless victim to be dragged away by a predator. Amnesia? Nonsense. Still, it doesn't have this effect on every user. Like any drug, you shouldn't take it to feel good, it only triggers what is already there(emotion enhancer), pleasure, sexual desire, etc.,(if you're unlucky or unprepared: fear, depression, anxiety, paranoia). xtc is a party drug, not a date rape drug. Side effects: acne, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, stiffness, and in very few cases even death.
Many young people will try it regardless, this is the natural process of growing up. Educate people if you must(you must), but not with incoherent blabble. This is like saying that smokin weed makes you kill people. This is intellectual dishonesty... and laziness.
it happened to me. : 1/24/2010
fortunately i got away from this low dog before he had a chance to harm me. this really goes on. a REAL man does not have to drug a woman.
: 1/24/2010
That is why 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 year olds have no right in night clubs.
Ofcourse it is a crime and the social host of any club/event where this happens should be held responsible. ...many times they are aware of the nonsense going on..but it is all about making money at anyone's expense.
These guys get away with loading youngsters with alcohol and enticing them with drink free hours ...what then would they not do when they are making money.
'tis a shame!
: 1/23/2010
Seems to me that the RBPF also need to meet with the Bartenders association. Do not leave them out of the equation guys.
: 1/23/2010
Young girls have no business in nightclubs.Boys either
date rape drugs : 1/23/2010
I agree that the club owners and their gangs should be closed until furture notice, send some undercover police women to these club to test the drinks,then you have all your evident Canada has the equitments to test the drink. concer parent
: 1/23/2010
WHAT??? then lock up the bartenders. This is a crime. Bar owner are also to be held responsible for this...it is really not a joke it is CRIME!!!!!
Sad : 1/23/2010
That is sad when you have to something like that.That shows you the kind of people you are dealing with. In this day you can't trust anyone.
DATE RAPE DRUGS : 1/23/2010
Even if they are caught what does the law have in the books to prosecute and penalize these vultures that prey on our children?
: 1/23/2010
Any nightclub caught allowing this type illegal activity should be shutdown. Club owners, bartenders and security staff should be put on notice.
: 1/23/2010
Somebody feelin' TIPSY 'bout here !!! Horse out the stable "eva" since !! As a notorious entertainer would say... can't get 'e bac' !! Can't get 'e bac' !!
To the Police : 1/23/2010
Did you let those 3rd form student know that this drug is also deadly and many people had died from taking those pills.
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