Date Rape Drug Seized at Chennai Airport

Officials of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized 50 kg of Ketamine Hydrochloride and arrested two persons in this connection. Technically it is a veterinary anesthetic, but is increasingly as a date rape drug.

A press release from the DRI said following a tip off, two passengers bound for Kuala Lumpur from Chennai by Malaysian Airlines were intercepted on March 26.

On examination of the checked-in baggage of one of the passengers, it was found to contain 25 packets of detergent powder. Inside each packet, polythene bags were found, which contained a white-colored sugar like substance. The checked in baggage of the other passenger also contained a similar substance.

On interrogation they admitted that the substance was Ketamine Hydrochloride.

The seized chemical was valued at Rs.17.5 lakh in the local market and in the international market it would fetch nearly Rs.5 crore the release said. The passengers were brothers.

The DRI authorities said the chemical was a veterinary anesthetic and used as a narcotic.

The abuse of Ketamine had been spreading rapidly in the `rave party' circuit in East and South East Asia and also in Europe and U.S., they noted.

Actually along with Rohypnol and Gamma Hydroxy Butyrate, Ketamine Hydrochloride is considered a date rape drug.

Date rape drugs are easily slipped into drinks and food and are very fast acting. They render the victim unconscious, but responsive. They make the victim act without inhibition, often in a sexual or physically affectionate way. They will have little or no memory of what happens while the drug is active in their system.

Without any memory of the actual events, they are often unaware that they have even been raped. And even if they are aware or have suspicions, their testimony will have little value in the court, it is pointed out.

Source-Medindia
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