Alaska State Legislature

News From The House Majority

Ken Freeman, Press Secretary
State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801
phone: (907) 465-3804
web site: http://www.akrepublicans.org
Actuality line: 1-800-478-6540

Possession of Date Rape Drug Becomes Felony

For Immediate Release: April 2, 1997 Contact: Rep. Al Vezey (907) 465-3719

JUNEAU - The Alaska State Senate Wednesday passed legislation to classify Flunitrazepam, the date rape drug, as a controlled substance. The bill, introduced by Rep. Al Vezey, (R - Fairbanks) classified the drug as a Schedule IV(A) controlled substance and makes possession a felony.

Rep. Vezey said that Alaska already has laws against sexual assault and those involving victims who unknowingly ingest drugs are more serious crimes, carrying heavier penalties.

Flunitrazepam, trade name Rohynol, is known by street names that include Roofies, Roaches, Roches, Rocha, Rophies, Ruffles, Ropes and Ribs.

"By making Rohypnol a controlled substance, we are attempting to intercept the perpetrators before they have a chance to commit a heinous crime," said Vezey.

"We are trying to get out ahead of criminals who would utilize this drug in Alaska."

Rep. Vezey introduced HB 69 because he said Rohypnol is becoming a growing threat to females, teenagers and young adults. Vezey said that middle and high school students, college students, and street gangs use Rohypnol to boost and prolong the intoxicating effects of alcohol, while heroin addicts use the drug to increase the high produced by heroin and cocaine addicts use Rohypnol to moderate the effects of a cocaine binge.

George Taft, Director of the Alaska State Crime Laboratory, confirmed with Rep. Vezey's office today, that 272 Rohypnol tablets were confiscated along with some herion during an arrest made in Anchorage in February. This is the first confirmed report of the presence of flunitrazepam in Alaska.

"The most heinous illegal use of this drug is to slip it into the drink of a female as a prelude to rape. The drug induces deep sleep and causes amnesia. Victims of drug induced rape can not identify their victims and convictions are difficult and rare. HB 69 sends a clear message that we will not tolerate those who would perpetrate sexual abuse in our society," said Vezey.

Vezey noted that one way to make safer communities is to make sure that the illegal use of drugs like Rohypnol are classified as controlled substances and the offenders are punished as felons.

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