U.S. Bans Import of ‘Date Rape’ Drug
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WASHINGTON — The government has banned importation of the sedative Rohypnol, saying the “date rape” pill is a growing threat to young adults and has no legitimate therapeutic use.
The pills are used legally in about 60 nations for insomnia, and travelers to the United States were allowed to bring a three-month supply for personal use. But Treasury Secretary Robert E. Rubin said the Customs Service now will seize any amount of the drug.
Rohypnol often has been associated with date rape, the Treasury Department said, citing numerous news reports about women claiming to have been assaulted after their drinks had been spiked.
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