Rohypnol
(Also called: Ropes, Ruffies, Roches, Run-Trip and Fall, Roapies, Mexican Valium)
What is it?
- Central nervous system depressant with many of the same effects as alcohol
- Originally used as a sleeping pill or pre-surgery anesthesia
- Illegal in the United States, still manufactured in Mexico
What does it look like?
- Small, white pill about the size of an aspirin
- Has “Roche” (the manufacturer’s name) on it
- Odorless, tasteless, colorless, dissolves quickly in liquids
What are the effects?
- Sedation/blackout
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Clumsiness
- Impaired judgement
- Memory impairment
- Tremors
- Rohypnol is seven to 10 times more potent than Valium
- Alcohol triples the effects
How is it ingested?
- Usually orally
- Onset of effects within approximately 15-20 minutes
- Effects can last up to 24 hours
- Can be detected in urine up to 48-72 hours after ingestion
How does it get to the U.S.?
- Through the IH-35 corridor, Rohypnol comes from Mexico into Texas
- Rohypnol also is brought into Southern Florida from the Caribbean or Columbia
Can someone die from taking Rohypnol?
- Yes, although extremely rare
GHB
(Also called: Grevious Bodily Harm, Easy Lay, Saltwater, Liquid Ecstacy, Liquid X, Cherry M)
What is it?
- Central nervous system depressant with most of the same effects as alcohol
- Once sold in health food stores as an additive in body builder formulas
- Used as an anesthetic for surgery; United States stopped using it due to seizures
What does it look like?
- Most frequently sold as a liquid
- Can be in capsule or powder form
- Put into drinks and dissolves
- Odorless, colorless and has a slightly salty taste
What are the effects?
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Seizures or tremors
- Amnesia
- Decreased heart rate, respiration rate
- Abrupt loss of consciousness
- Coma
- Death
How is it ingested?
- Usually orally
- Strong drinks are a perfect cover-up for the salty taste
- Onset of effects can be from five minutes to an hour
- Effects can last up to six hours
- GHB can be detected in the urine up to 12 hours after ingestion, but no longer
How does it get to the United States?
- Most commonly, GHB is made from recipes available on the Internet
Can someone die from taking GHB?
- ABSOLUTELY! If mixed improperly, it is a paint stripper ingredient and acid
Source: SafePlace: Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Survival Center. Austin, Texas
