Vol. 535 No. 2
200 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if there have been any seizures of a drug (details supplied) as a result of illegal use; if there have been prosecutions in cases of rape where this drug has been used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12498/01]
My colleague, the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Martin, has informed me that flunitrazepam, the active ingredient in rohypnol, has been classified as a schedule 3 controlled drug in Ireland since 1993. rohypnol, which is a benzodiazepine, may only be obtained on foot of a prescription from a medical practitioner and unauthorised possession is an offence. The company which manufactures rohypnol has placed a purple coloured dye in the product, making it difficult for someone to "spike" another person's drink without this being noticed. A committee has been established to review the position regarding all benzodiazepines and is preparing a report on benzodiazepines, which should be finalised by the end of June, 2001.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the following seizures of Flunitrazepam, Rohypnol, were made during the years 1998, 1999 and 2000, provisional.
|
Year |
Quantity |
No. of Cases(No. of Seizures) |
|
1998 |
361 tabs |
39 |
|
1999 |
339 tabs |
18 |
|
2000 |
236 tabs |
17 |
