Yo! Venice! has received two separate reports involving three different women that say they have been “roofied” (street term for Rohypnol, the “date rape” drug) while at local Venice bars over the last month. It is possible in one case that it was GHB. The LAPD Pacific Division has been made aware of this. One bar this reportedly happened at is on Abbot Kinney, the other is on Washington near the Venice Pier. Fortunately, none of the incidents we were made aware of have resulted in rape.
There is no need for panic or hysteria, but be careful out there people! Remain aware! If you or a friend have recently had a similar experience at local bars, please contact the LAPD Pacific Division at 310-482-6334.
Watch your drink! Watch out for each other! Open your own bottle or container – don’t accept opened drinks! Tell others about Rohypnol! Awareness is a major factor in this or any other kinds of abuse! Remember that Rohypnol is odorless, colorless and tasteless and can be added to ANY drink – even water!
If you suspect that you or a friend may have ingested Rohypnol, be sure to get tested at the hospital Emergency Room. The drug is detectable for up to 60 hours but cases should and can be reported at any time. Report any suspected abuse of Rohypnol to proper legal authorities in order to protect yourself and others from harm. It is a federal offense to administer any controlled substance to any person without his/her knowledge, with the intent of committing a violent crime.
Rohypnol (known as a “roofie”) is tasteless and odorless, and it dissolves easily in carbonated beverages. Rohypnol causes partial amnesia; individuals are unable to remember certain events that they experienced while under the influence of the drug. This effect is particularly dangerous when Rohypnol is used to aid in the commission of sexual assault; victims may not be able to clearly recall the assault, the assailant, or the events surrounding the assault.
