The Abbotsford Police Department (APD) is concerned about an incident that occurred over the weekend in which a 14-year-old girl appears to have unknowingly ingested GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate), commonly known as the “date rape drug.”
Const. Ian MacDonald said police received a call for assistance early Sunday morning at a residence in central Abbotsford.
A 16-year-old girl, who was upset and intoxicated, had been spotted at the side of the road and dropped off at her home by some Good Samaritans.
The girl had gone out earlier in the evening and had become separated from her 14-year-old friend.
One of the girl’s parents went looking for the friend and located her nearby.
MacDonald said the teen appeared intoxicated and was showing signs of GHB consumption.
Both girls were taken to hospital for treatment, but MacDonald said it appears only the younger teen may have ingested GHB. He said the results of toxicology tests are not yet available.
He said the two girls had been in the area of the Matsqui Recreation Centre and skateboard park – located in the 3100 block of Clearbrook Road – between 11 p.m. on Saturday, July 30 and 1 a.m. on Sunday, July 31.
MacDonald said police have spoken with other youth who had been in the area that evening, but they are not getting any answers as to whether anyone brought GHB.
He said although the 14-year-old was willingly drinking alcohol that evening, police do not believe she knowingly ingested the drug.
Police are continuing to investigate and would like to speak with the Good Samaritans who dropped off the 16-year-old at her home.
As well, anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the APD at 604-859-5225 or text abbypd (222973).
HGB is a depressant that is sold as a white powder or as capsules. It can also be sold as a clear, colourless liquid which is odourless and tasteless, allowing it to be slipped into drinks without detection.
Its sedative effects have been used to prevent victims from resisting sexual assault, hence its reference as a "date rape" drug.
In June 2015, three teens were hospitalized in Abbotsford after knowingly taking the drug, resulting in vomiting and convulsions. Two of the teens were unresponsive when police and paramedics arrived, and the third was semi-conscious.