Senate OKs punishment for use of date rape drugs

Thursday, May 8, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.

SB131 would make illegal possession of "roofies" and other odorless, colorless drugs.

Sen. Mark James, R-Las Vegas, said the drugs flunitrazepam and gamma-hydroxybytrate are similar in their effect as valium but 10 times stronger.

Flunitrazepam, commonly called "roofies" because of its Rohypnol brand name, generally sells for about $5 a pill.

"It is the new drug of choice," he said. "It has the effect of knocking someone out without them being capable of remembering it."

He said Nevada prosecutors are concerned the drugs are used in the state, but have difficulty prosecuting such cases because people don't remember being victimized.

In an earlier hearing, James said rape charges should be filed against anyone who uses any drug to force someone into sex against his or her will.

The difference between the date rape drugs and alcohol, James said, is that alcohol users should know what they are doing.

Date rape drugs, in contrast, are put in drinks when people aren't looking.

The bill now goes to the Assembly for further review.

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