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

House Passes Measure To Classify

Possession of Date Rape Drug As Felony

For Immediate Release: March 7, 1997 Contact: Rep. Al Vezey (907) 465-3719

JUNEAU - The House of Representatives Friday unanimously 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 the induced use of drugs is a more serious crime and carries a heavier penalty.

"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."

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

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.

"The most heinous use of this drug is to slip it into the drink of unsuspecting female as a prelude to rape," said Vezey.

The Alaska Scientific Crime Detection Laboratory is in the process of analyzing what is believed to be the first evidence of Rohypnol's presence in Alaska.

George Taft, Director of the Alaska State Crime Laboratory testified via teleconference to the House Finance Committee on February 24th. He emphasized that there is a case pending for possession of 272 Rohypnol tablets that was submitted to the lab along with some heroin.

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

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