Is Ladies Drug Rape by Burundanga Real?

Burundanga—Ladies Beware!!!

Dear Dr,

Can you please enlighten the public about a drug reported to be useful for  men of ill will to use on unsuspecting victims whereby they cancel the victim’s will power and then attack the poor victim at will? Is it true that there is such a drug?

Jenrayo Ikpeme, Oyo

Dear Jenrayo,

Very unfortunately, the truth is that there is such a drug. It’s name is burndanga and it’s scientific name is scopolamine or hyoscine. Wikipedia says “Hyoscine, also known as scopolamine, is a medication used to treat motion sickness and postoperative nausea and vomiting. It is also sometimes used before surgery to decrease saliva. When used by injection, effects begin after about 20 minutes and last for up to 8 hours. It may also be used by mouth and as a dermal patch.

Common side effects include sleepiness, blurred vision, dilated pupils, and dry mouth. It is not recommended in people with glaucoma or bowel obstruction.] It is unclear if use during pregnancy is safe; however, it appears to be safe during breastfeeding.

Hyoscine was first written about in 1881 and came into medical use in 1947. It is on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, the most effective and safe medicines needed in a health system. Hyoscine is produced from plants of the nightshade family. The name "scopolamine" is derived from one type of nightshade known as Scopolia while "hyoscine" is from another type known as Hyoscyamus niger.

Now, this drug has been useful to perpetrate acts of rape, robbery and assault on victims who include females alone or in night clubs, elderly people and other targets of violence and robbery especially in Latin America; and definitely in Colombia and Spain. The way it is reportedly used is to slip it into drinks or to suffuse it into ordinary paper like business cards and hand such paper to a woman to help to call a number written on the paper or to keep the business card of a painter, plumber or work-man or some such other contact. The lady sniffs the drug in high doses infused in the paper and begins to lose control and will power. The best thing to say is “ladies beware”of any male approaching you and handing you a piece of paper.

Thought.com says, “Make no mistake, burundanga is real. It is used in the commission of crimes. If you're traveling in a region where its use has been confirmed, exercise due caution. But don't rely on forwarded emails for your facts.”

Cheers