Alaska State Legislature

News From The House Majority

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

Use of Date Rape Drug To Become Felony

For Immediate Release: February 18, 1997 Contact: Rep. Al Vezey (907) 465-3719

JUNEAU - Legislation introduced in the House of Representatives February 7^th by Representative Al Vezey (R-Fairbanks) classifies Flunitrazepam, the "date rape" drug, as a controlled substance. The bill would classify the drug as a Schedule IV(A) controlled substance and makes possession of the drug a felony.

HB 69 has been passed out of the House Judiciary Committee and is awaiting action by the House Finance Committee. Currently the use of Rohyphol is covered under federal law. Alaska does not have any state law governing its use.

Rep. Vezey said that Flunitrazepam, trade name Rohypnol, is known by street names that include Roaches, Roches, Rocha, Rophies, Roofies, Ruffies, Ropes and Ribs. The Alaska Scientific Crime Detection Laboratory is in the process of verifying evidence believed to be the first evidence of Rohypnol’s presence in Alaska from the first arrest involving the possession of Rohypnol.

According to Everett Clary, controlled substance supervisor with the State Crime Lab, Rohypnol is making its way to Alaska.

"Within the last few weeks we do have what looks to be our first drug possession case of a large quantity of Rohypnol," said Clary.

Clary noted that in his personal view, Alaska falls three or four years behind other states when it comes to drug use.

"Rohypnol is currently a big problem in the U.S. The use in Alaska has just begun and I think it is time for us to have this legislation in place to be ready for its potential use in our state," said Clary.

Rep. Vezey introduced HB 69 because he said Rohypnol is becoming a growing threat to 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.

"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.

Broadcast Note: An audio actuality is available by calling 1-800-478-6540.

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