POLICE are warning North-east clubbers after an alarming rise in the use of the date rape drug Rohypnol.
Letters have been sent to 120 licensees in Newcastle and Gateshead asking them to be vigilant because of a rise in the number of sex attacks involving the drug, known as Roofies.
Detective Chief Inspector Jim Napier said: "Over the past few months, ourselves in Gateshead and our colleagues in Newcastle have noticed a trend.
"There are people out there using debilitating drugs to carry out these offences, and there are people out there not aware it is happening.
"It is a silent way of gaining compliance from a victim. It is difficult to defend against, and difficult to detect if it is not reported to us quickly.
"We have drawn up posters which offer advice, with sensible steps people can use to protect themselves."
Rohypnol, ten times more potent than valium, is most commonly used, but people are also being drugged using GHB, a colourless and odourless substance popular with body builders
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