Suspected ‘date rape drug’ dealers undergo inquest proceedings

(Updated 9:46 a.m., April 17) The two suspected dealers of a "date rape drug" who were nabbed by the National Bureau of Investigation on Wednesday have already undergone inquest proceedings.

 

According to a "24 Oras" report aired Thursday evening, Nigerian Ashimiyu Balogun and Filipina model Mica Atanacio were caught for allegedly distibuting gamma hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) or liquid ecstasy in Makati, Mandaluyong and Manila.

The suspected drug duo was arrested after two other suspects were arrested in an earlier raid conducted by the NBI in Manila. The two suspects tipped the authorities off to Balogun and Atanacio's operations.

 

Meanwhile, a source, who declined to be identified and has been both a user and seller of liquid ecstasy for two years, said the drug has opposing effects depending on the dose.

 

The source said she uses the drug in low dosages as a stimulant to keep her awake while also selling it to acquaintances for P10,000 per 100 ml.

In an earlier report, the NBI warned that people on the drug "will easily succumb to sexual abuse."
 

 

Prior to being banned, gamma hydroxybutyric acid or liquid ecstasy was a drug being used to treat narcolepsy, a condition where the patient exhibits "excessive daytime sleepiness and intermittent, uncontrollable episodes of falling asleep during the daytime," according to the website webmd.com.

 

Dr. Visitacion Evangelista of the East Avenue Medical Center said this was true even in other countries until the drug was abused.

 

“Kahit sa America approved 'yan before. Ginagamit for treatment ng narcolepsy kaya lang dahil nagkaroon ng mga adverse effects, or kung baga 'yung safety issues ay nandoon binan nila,” she said.

 

“Isa rin sa reason na kaya nga bawal siya is ginagamit siya sa rape parties. Kasi 'yung ecstasy alam naman natin 'yung effect noon, nagkakaroon ng sexual arousal,” she continued.

 

Liquid ecstasy can cause dizziness, hallucination, seizure and convulsions depending on the dosage.

 

The Dangerous Drugs Board, which sets drug policy and crafts anti-drug strategy, has called in the NBI and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency to determine how to crack down on the distribution of liquid ecstasy. — Andrei Medina/JDS/KG, GMA News