1. What is Rohypnol (pronounced row hip nal)?

Rohypnol (flunitrazepam) is the brand name of a sleeping pill marketed in Mexico, South America, Europe and Asia by Hoffman-La Roche Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (located in New Jersey, 1 (800) 608-6540). Rohypnol is illegal to possess in the United States. (see #4 below). It is manufactured abroad and is being smuggled into the U.S. from Mexico and Latin America, primarily through the U.S. Postal Service, commercial delivery services, and by individuals.

2. Why is it called the "date rape drug"?

There have been numerous reports of Rohypnol being placed surreptitiously in a woman's drink as a prelude to rape, which means that an individual taking the drug may not. remember the next several hours after the drug is ingested. People who have ingested Rohypnol, particularly when coupled with alcohol, will have very little, or no recall of events that have transpired. At sufficient doses, amnesia may occur. Sedation occurs 20 to 30 minutes after ingestion with peak effect at one to two hours. Sedation lasts for eight hours after 2 mg's is ingested orally. Symptoms include: drowsiness, impaired motor skills, impaired judgment, disinhibition, dizziness, confusion, amnesia.

3. Facts About Rohypnol:

 

It comes in white tablet form, slightly larger than aspirin, and contains the name "ROCHE" with an encircled 1 or 2 on one side. A single or cross score appears on the other side. (See diagram below). Tablets have no taste and are colorless when diluted.

The tablets are often illegally sold in their original bubble wrap packaging. Street price of a single tablet averages about $5. Street names for Rohypnol include: Rochies, Roofies, Rope, Mexican Valium, R-2, Roach 2, La Rocha, and Rib Roche (pronounced row-shay).

4. Minnesota State Laws:

a. Effective August 1, 1996, Rohypnol (flunitrazepam) became a Schedule 1 drug under M.S. 152.02, Subd. 2.

b. Possession of Rohypnol (flunitrazepam) is a Controlled Substance Crime in the Fifth Degree (Felony) under M.S. 152.025.

C. Criminal Sexual Conduct in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Degrees (M.S. 609.342-345) contain provisions that make it a felony to engage in sexual penetration or sexual contact with anyone who is mentally incapacitated or physically helpless, which is exactly the effect that Rohypnol causes in unsuspecting rape victims.

5. What should you do if use of Rohypnol is suspected?

A urine sample should be taken as soon as possible from the victim. Urine collected after 72 hours from ingestion is unlikely to show presence of Rohypnol.

Follow your normal chain of custody. Make sure the urine sample is stored in a liquid-tight container. The urine sample should be refrigerated or frozen as soon as possible.

WARNING: Do not allow urine sample to remain at room temperature for more than two days. All testing would become ineffective.

6. Where can you go to have the urine sample tested?

Although the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) is set up to test for Rohypnol they are not accepting requests for Rohypnol testing at the current time because of an extreme back log in cases. The BCA suggests that test requests be sent to the following private testing facility:

MED TOX, 402 W. Co. Rd. D; St. Paul, MN 55112; (612) 636-7466.

Alan F. Pendleton
Assistant County Attorney

The Anoka County Attorney Training Updates are published and distributed bi-weekly as a public service to more than 200 Minnesota enforcement agencies. Any questions, comments or suggestions on training topics should be directed to Alan F. Pendleton, Assistant County Attorney, or Traci Melberg, Legal Secretary, Government Center, 2100 Third Avenue, Anoka, MN 5303-2265, (612) 323-5601, FAX (612) 422-7524.

AT97-2

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