!!!Date Rape Drug Alert!!!

If you live in or near Ireland or the UK, or are travelling to the area, take extra care. According to the Irish Needle Exchange Forum, a very large quantity of pills (in excess of 80,000), were stolen in Baldoyle, Dublin on Tuesday, May 12th 2009. They are Flunitrazepam which is the brand name for Rohypnol, the so called "date rape drug."

Rohypnol can affect your ability to speak or move, which is why it is used to restrain people during sexual assaults. It can also cause blackouts, disorientation, and prevent you from being able to remember what happened to you while you were under the influence. As if these dangers weren't enough, it can also kill you if mixed with alcohol or other depressants.

As these pills will find there way into circulation very quickly, take extra precautions. Drug trafficking results in drugs being moved very quickly from one location to another, and, given the large quantities involved, these drugs could end up anywhere.

Rohypnol looks like this. Here are some general tips:

• Avoid purchasing drugs in pill form -- but remember, pills can be crushed and mixed with powdered drugs such as heroin, speed and cocaine, or re-pressed into new pills.
• Do not accept any free drugs or drinks -- most sexual assaults happen between people who know each other.
• Do not leave your drink unattended.
• Do not go out to clubs or parties alone -- have a friend with you and stay in contact throughout the night.

If you find any of these pills, be aware of how dangerous they are, and please hand them in at a drug store or pharmacy as quickly as possible. Do not dispose of them in the trash or flush them down the toilet, as this can contaminate the water supply.