At least 1,186 people last year fell victim to criminals who used the feared drug scopolamine to sedate their victims and take them on a stealing binge, according to newspaper El Tiempo.
The newspaper said that Colombia’s police received 1,186 complaints about the use of scopolamine.
The drug can be administered by spiking a drink, blowing powder in one’s face or letting a victim touch an object that has been impregnated with the “truth drug.”
Once under the influence, a victim loses his will and unconsciously, but fully cooperates with his or her aggressors to empty bank accounts, homes or steal the victim’s car. When sedated, others can barely notice the victim is on drugs.
According to El Tiempo, 559 cases known to police are from the capital Bogota where recently a man was sentenced to 42 years for using the drug to rob his victims.
MORE: Bogota thief gets 42 years
The police report said a lot of the victims were males who had been seduced and then drugged by attractive ladies.
Documentary on scopolamine in Colombia
Sources
- Cada día hay tres víctimas de la escopolamina (El Tiempo)