CHARLOTTE, N.C. — There’s a warning Thursday night from North Carolina state investigators. They told Channel 9 News a powerful date rape drug may be on college campuses throughout the state.
Etizolam is a powerful sedative that is unregulated and has been called a date rape drug.
Students at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte were stunned to learn it can be purchased in bulk online.
"It's terrifying living on a college campus," said Khortany Hamlin.
Experts have said the drug isn't detected in many drug tests.
"You wake up the next morning, don't know what happened to you, and you get a blood test and there's nothing saying you had anything. That's really scary," said Fia Dibari.
Administrators tasked with educating women at UNCC about sexual assault said they're not surprised by the way the drug is being used.
"Unfortunately it's nothing new. Every few years you hear about different techniques," Nicole Madonna-Rosario said.
Statistics show there have been 10 reported sex offenses on UNCC's campus since 2011. Administrators said drugs like this may contribute to underreporting.
"Many survivors are not reporting or getting medical attention for numerous reasons -- shame, embarrassment, lack of memory -- a lot of these drugs make them not remember," Madonna-Rosario said.
They said a good defense against the newest drug is for students to watch out for each other while partying.
"If they can't consent you need to help them," Madonna-Rosario said.
WSOC
