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People have recently reported getting roofied at over 70 restaurants and venues throughout the Greater Boston area, according to a Facebook group called Booze in Boston. Numerous locations have had multiple reports.
Boston Police even reminded the public about the dangerousness of drugs like Rohypnol, also known as "roofie." The department said the "scentless, colorless and tasteless" drug is often put in the drinks of unsuspecting victims.
"Other drugs commonly used in a similar fashion are GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyric acid) or Ketamine," police continued. "These drugs and substances can cause disorientation, confusion, temporary paralysis, or unconsciousness."
The motive behind roofying someone is usually to take advantage of them sexually. This is commonly classified as "Date Rape," according to American Addiction Centers.
"Often, this type of rape is conceptualized as a predator first drugging the victim and, next, sexually assaulting them," the site reports. "While this is sometimes the case, date rape more often involves the perpetrator taking advantage of their victim’s chosen insobriety."
The site also says that nearly half of all sexual assaults involve alcohol. With Boston being a hub for dining, drinking and clubbing, one local TikToker used his platform to highlight some of the top spots where people have reported getting roofied.
They include:
- Mariel (Financial District)
- Royale (Downtown)
- Big Night Live (next to TD Garden)
- JM Curley (near Boston Common)
- Scorpion Bar (Seaport)
- Waterclub Marina Bay (Quincy)
- House of Blues (Fenway)
Several businesses have implemented drink spiking prevention products like caps or lids over cups and glasses. One person in the Booze in Boston group said they encountered this at one of the bars that, ironically, has been reported for roofying many times.
"I was at a concert at House of Blues last night and the bartender offered my husband and I a lid for our drinks," they said. "They had a sign advertising this as well. So if you wanted a lid for your drink, you just ask!"
Still, Boston Police say people should still take certain necessary precautions when gathering in social settings around the city. They encourage people to:- Ensure their drink is being served directly by their bartender or server and not allow people they don’t know or trust to order them drinks
- Never leave their drinks unattended, including taking them into the bathroom
- Covering their drink with their hand when they're not looking at it
- Test the drink with test strips or nail polish that light up a certain color if a drug is present
- Get immediate help if they start feeling dizzy, nauseous, light-headed or strange
People should also be aware of any unusual behavior from their friends and take note of others trying to lure their friends away from them, police added. A full list of places where people have reported getting roofied can be found here.
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