Use of 'date rape' drug on the rise

Saturday, July 15, 2000

YENNI KWOK

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A taskforce is to tighten controls on the ketamine amid growing abuse and fears it is being used in "date rapes". Since last year when the first case of ketamine abuse was reported, there have been 21 reported cases. The authorities handled 40 cases involving possession of 2.08 kilos of the substance.

Originally used as animal , ketamine can result in and lead users to cause injury to themselves. Ketamine can cause people to lose control, and officials fear it may have been used in attacks on women. of ketamine by police early this year revealed the drug had gained popularity as a party drug.

"In view of the observed of increased ketamine abuse and its high abuse potential in the face of a growing ' ' culture, it is recommended ketamine be controlled," said Commissioner for Narcotics Clarie Lo. The Government was now for a legal change to include ketamine in the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, she added.

An Action Committee Against Narcotics taskforce has decided on a series of measures to drug abuse. A seven-member research group will conduct and oversee a study on treatment and of drug abusers, as well as work with a focus group of the abusers.

The first study aims to examine current methods and models used to treat and rehabilitate substance abusers. The second - a focus group study - will look into special characteristics and abuse patterns. It will address the problem of cross-border drug abuse by SAR residents.

The two studies will take about six months to complete. The task force expects to receive the final reports at the end of this year. "Ice" and Ecstasy are popular types of the so-called " " drugs, but new drugs - such as ketamine - have recently entered the scene.

Copyright © 2000 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. Reproduced with permission.

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