The Brooklyn police have warned nightclub patrons to beware date rape drugs.
At the end of last month, a 22-year-old woman was sexually assaulted after she was allegedly drugged at a club in Brooklyn.
Brooklyn police spokesperson Captain Colette Weilbach said the victim was at the club with a group of friends.
“After having drinks, she passed out and woke up in a hospital the following day. A medical examination indicated that she was sexually assaulted,” she said.
The victim said she could not remember anything about what happened after she had passed out.”
Weilbach said a case was investigated by the Tshwane Central cluster family violence child protection and sexual offences unit.
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“Perpetrators drug both men and women for the purpose of sexual assault or to rob them. The SAPS wants to request nightclub owners to enhance their safety at club entrances,” she said.
“Customers must be searched properly to prevent any illegal drugs, medication, eye drops or weapons from entering the club. Eye drops can cause drowsiness, nausea and amnesia when mixed with alcohol.”
Weilbach said the other well-known drugs used to spike drinks were Rohypnol, ketamine hydrochloride (an odourless anaesthetic) and GHB, a veterinary product that paralyses its victim.
The Brooklyn SAPS offered the following practical advice to prevent drink spiking:
· Do not accept drinks or ice cubes from strangers. They can even spike the ice cubes if they have an accomplice behind the bar. Bottles must be opened in front of you.
· Be suspicious if someone buys you a drink and it does not taste like what you asked for. If you are unsure about your drink, leave it.
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· Keep your drink with you, and finish it before you go to the bathroom or onto the dance floor.
· Never share or exchange drinks with anyone.
· If you begin to feel drunk or ill after only a drink or two, seek help from a trusted friend or a responsible member of the staff of the club, or pub, or phone home and ask for help.
· Avoid going to a club or a pub alone. Friends can watch out for each other.
· If a friend suddenly feels ill at a club or a party, never leave them unattended. Do not allow strangers to assist by taking the friend home.
· Think very carefully, whether you should leave the pub, club or party with someone you just met.
Residents are urged to report any suspicious person, vehicle (especially without number plates) or circumstances to the police immediately by phoning the 08600 10111, SMS 32211, or the Brooklyn police’s 24-hour number 012 366 1735/6.
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