Barnstable Police warn of date-rape drugs used at local bars

BARNSTABLE, Mass. — The Barnstable Police Department said it recently received complaints from bar patrons who reported feeling the effects of a date-rape drug.

“It’s come to our attention there’s been a couple of incidents reported to us where individuals felt like they’d received this date-rape drug,” Police Chief Matthew Sonnabend said.

Sonnabend said there are no reports of rape or sexual assault, but his police department issued a community alert reminding people to always keep an eye on their drink. Boston Police released a similar warning in December.

“It seems that this was a problem many years ago and it’s coming back around again,” Sonnabend said. “This type of behavior still does exist.”

Zoe Wyman, a bartender at the Duck Inn Pub on Main St., said she tries to look out for her younger patrons.

“You definitely take it more seriously when you see something like this happen in your community,” Wyman said. “It’s sickening and it makes you worried. But it seems like my community is taking precautions to move in the right direction to keep this stuff from happening.”

The 19th Hole Tavern on Barnstable Rd. began handing free plastic covers for drinks last week.

“My Cup Condoms are now available at the 19th Hole. Just ask the bartender or doorman. They are reusable!! Doing our part to keep all women safe,” the Tavern’s Facebook post said.

Barnstable Police are encouraging groups to use the “buddy system” to prevent being separated and to take the following precautions:

• Be sure that your drink is being served directly by the bartender or your server
• Don’t allow people you don’t know or trust to order drinks and deliver them to you
• Watch your drink at all time
• Never leave your drink unattended.
• Take your drink with you to the restroom if need be
• Keep your hand over your drink when you’re not looking at it. There are also many other options to cover your drinks that are available.
• There are several options on the market to help detect for the presence of these drugs in your drink
• Get help immediately if you begin to feel dizzy, nauseated, light-headed or strange in any way

“They are tasteless, odorless and colorless. They’re not going to change the color of your drink. You’re not going to know what’s happening until it’s too late,” Sonnabend said.

Sonnabend said the complaints remain under investigation. Anyone with any information should call Barnstable Police.

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