Since the 1990s, Rohypnol has been known to be used an aid for sexual assault. Predators typically slip the drug into a victim’s drink, often at a party or bar where it dissolves and is tasteless and odorless. It was previously colorless also, although new versions of Rohypnol cause a clear or pale liquid to turn blue. However, the blue dye may not be noticeable when dissolved into darker liquids, especially in dimly-lit clubs or bars. Rohypnol has strong amnesic properties, especially when paired with alcohol, so victims typically have limited recollection of their assaults or attackers. It is difficult to estimate how many rapes occur with the aid of Rohypnol in the United States, as biological samples are typically taken once the drug’s effects wear off and minimal amounts of the drug remain in the system.
Mixing Rohypnol with alcohol or other drugs can be very dangerous. The interaction of these drugs can lower blood pressure to dangerous levels, limit breathing capacity, and cause people to slip into a coma or even die.
Rohypnol is not manufactured in the United States and not available legally in the country. People who possess, traffic, or distribute Rohypnol face charges equivalent to those associated with other illegal drugs such as heroin and marijuana.