THIS IS A TRUE STORY. The names of those involved have been changed for confidential reasons.
I am told that an Australian lady has written to the Bali Advertiser regarding the shocking experience encountered by her 17 year old daughter at a “family pub” in Legian where the girls’ drink was spiked with amphetamines and GHB. Luckily the girl was taken back to her hotel by her friends and family before the would-be perpetrator could take advantage of this young lass, but not all have been so lucky. What makes this story even more alarming is that the girls drink was probably laced by the bar staff rather than some stalking stranger.
This young ladies story brings to mind a case that came past my desk about a year ago. An attractive young British woman, lets call her Susan (not her real name) was passing through Bali on her way back to the UK where she was to meet and marry her fiancé. Being the sporty adventurous type she traveled to Lombok for a few days where she took part in a group diving course. On the last day of her course the owner of the dive shop suggested that they have a small party in the evening to celebrate the group passing their open water diving certificate. This seemed innocent enough as the instructor / owner seemed like a decent fellow and had even introduced the party to his wife and children at a beach-side café. The man had given the woman no reason to suspect that he had an ulterior motive for organizing the celebration.
Coincidentally the dive shop owner also owned the small bar and café where the party was to be held. When the woman came to see me, she recounted remembering nothing after only two glasses of arak and coca-cola. She awoke the next morning in her hotel room naked and had been sexually assaulted.
Susan needed emergency contraception to ensure that she did not fall pregnant to the rapist or rapists. She would also need a full STD screen work up including tests for Hepatitis B & C and HIV (total cost approximately 2.5 million rupiah). She cannot be cleared of these diseases until repeat testing for up to 6 months after the event. She now faces the usual emotions following sexual assault such as anger, guilt, depression, as well as the dilemma of telling her fiancé. She would also be well advised to seek post-exposure therapy for HIV and hepatitis, as we can safely assume that the perpetrators of this crime were far from being decent people, and certainly not the type to consider “safe sexual practice”.
Susan’s life has been made a living hell by one stupid mistake. She trusted someone that she thought had become a friend.I am hearing this story all too often. Mostly from young women, however I have heard of several cases lately where men or boys have been the victims.
The drugs that are most commonly used to spike drinks with intent to abuse or steal from the victim are Rohypnol, and GHB.
ROHYPNOL
Rohypnol is a potent sedative. The physical effects of the drug may be noticeable within 15 to 30 minutes after ingestion. The effects may last for many hours. Rohypnol may cause drowsiness, confusion, impaired motor skills, dizziness, disorientation, dis-inhibition, impaired judgment, and reduced levels of consciousness. You may look and act like someone who is drunk. Your speech may be slurred, and you may have difficulty walking. Or you may be rendered unconscious. It is very dangerous to mix Rohypnol with alcohol or other drugs. The combination can pro extremely low blood pressure, respiratory depression, difficulty breathing, coma, or even death. Rohypnol also may produce complete or partial amnesia (memory loss) about the events that occur after it is ingested.
GHB- Gamma hydroxy butyrate or Gamma hydroxybutyric acid, Sodium Oxybate
GHB is a clear liquid that looks just like water. It can be mistaken for water because it is usually found in a small (30ml) clear plastic bottle, a water bottle, or even Gatorade bottles, which can contain several doses. One quick taste of the pure liquid and you’ll know it’s not water. GHB can also found as a white powder.
The effects of GHB are intoxication, increased energy, happiness, talking, desire to socialize, feeling affectionate and playful, mild dis-inhibition, sensuality, enhanced sexual experience, muscle relaxation, loss of coordination due to loss of muscle tone, possible nausea, difficulty concentrating, loss of gag reflex. Many people have bad reactions. These can include nausea, headaches, drowsiness, dizziness, amnesia, vomiting, loss of muscle control, respiratory problems, loss of consciousness, being conscious but unable to move, and death- especially when combined with alcohol or other drugs. Effects of large doses are dis-inhibition, sedation, desire to sleep, rambling incoherent speech, giddiness, silliness, difficulty thinking, slurred speech, passing out, and death.
Both of these drugs are colorless, tasteless, and odorless when mixed with regular drinks. You cannot see them, taste them, or smell them. Therefore, if you consume a “dosed” drink, you are likely to be totally unaware that you are being drugged.
Naturally the best way to avoid this happening to you is not to accept drinks from strangers and not to leave any drinks unattended at any time, and don’t drink alone. It would be wise also to order drinks that are sealed in bottles rather than drinks that are mixed at a bar.
