Rape: Devices that can detect Drugs in Victim's Drinks

Rape: Devices that detect drugs in victim’s drinks

Often rapists drug their potential victims. But MAUREEN AZUH identifies some inventions that can help detect such drugs in drinks.

Rape is one of the most common social problems in the world. It cuts across every class and religion, and is one of the worst nightmares a woman can experience. While some people will quickly note that men too can fall victim in some way, aaets.org says acquaintance rape, also called “date rape” and “hidden rape,” is recognised as a relatively common problem within society.

The term ‘rape’ refers to being subjected to unwanted sexual intercourse, oral sex, anal sex, or other sexual contact through the use of force or threat of force. Over time, there have been several attempts to curb the menace. One of the methods is to encourage victims to report cases but often, victims prefer to keep the issue secret for fear of discrimination – especially in underdeveloped societies.

According to reports, victims of date rape are usually drugged before the act. However, scientists have taken up the challenge of finding a lasting solution to the problem by inventing devices that can detect drugs in a victim’s drink. One of such is Date Rape Drug Detector. Invented by Israeli scientists, it is a sensor that resembles a straw but it is capable of detecting two of the most commonly used date rape drugs - gamma-hydroxy butyrate acid and ketamine - with accuracy.

According to coolestgadgets, “It samples a very small volume of the drink and mixes it with a testing solution. This causes a chemical reaction that makes the solution cloudy or coloured, depending on the drug.”

The reaction then turns on a small red light if the drugs are present and alerts the person consuming the drink to abandon it. It works even in very dark places and all the person has to do is dip the straw-like device into the glass or bottle of drink.

Medindia.net reports that the device is aimed at preventing rape, which is better than prosecuting the perpetrators after the ugodly act. The device is also said to cost less than a drink and is designed to be used as many times as possible.

Another gadget that performs similar functions is the 2LoveMyLips gloss, manufactured by a UK-based cosmetics company. The lip gloss which comes in different colours doubles as a date-rape drug detection kit.

The 2LoveMyLips gloss is available in five colours – which do not only beautify the user but can also tell you if a glass of drink has been tampered with. The glosses are equipped with two drug-testing cards that can detect GHB and Ketamine, chemicals considered date rape drugs that render victims incapacitated.

The 2LoveMyLips Detector can also detect cocaine, heroin and amphetamines in drinks and in concentrations likely to have an effect on the health and welfare of the consumer. Softpedia.com observes that the detector may identify other substances but will not detect Rohypnol – a drug that belongs to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines. Rohypnol can incapacitate victims and prevent them from resisting sexual assault. It can produce “anterograde amnesia,” which means individuals may not remember events they experienced while under the effects of the drug.

The device has cards for tests indicated by a circle at each end of the gloss’ strip. It works by the user placing a drop of the suspected drink onto both control spots on each end of the strip and smearing each drop over the circle with a finger or straw, until the card is dry. If the drink becomes cloudy, changes colour to blue or thickens, it means one or more of those drugs are present.

Although these devices are reported to be highly effective in combating rape, cnet.com notes that it may be best or wise for anyone – whether male or female - not to leave their drink unattended at bars or campus parties.