COLLEGE STATION, Texas — According to Texas A&M University Police, they have stated they have seen several reports of date rape drugs being used in Northgate bars in College Station.
On Friday March 29 and Monday of this week, UPD received information regarding the use of incapacitating agents, or date rape drugs, which is an aggravated assault.
In both cases, the victims stated that the drugs were placed into their drinks while attending the bars on Northgate on Friday night.
Students are encouraged to remain alert and practice safety tips like not leaving drinks unattended and watching out for unusual tastes or unexplained residue in drinks while looking out for their friends.
Other tips include avoiding drinking from cans or bottles that you did not open yourself and avoiding punch bowls or drinks that are being passed in a group setting.
Junior student at Texas A&M, Maria Moctezuma said, “I have been hearing about the date rape drugs and usually when I go out, I try to stay with my group of friends and if there is a lot of us, we try to pair up use the buddy system and walk each other home to make sure everyone is safe.”
Even freshman students who are unable to drink at Northgate bars, are making sure they are hyper aware of their surroundings.
“I feel like the most effective way is just watching each other’s drinks and being cautious of where you’re getting them. Yea I agree just always keeping your head on a swivel ad sticking together buddy system,” said Freshmen, Hadley Gardner and Sarah Friedman.
The suspect is unknown, the victims will not be identified, and no further information will be released by law enforcement at this time.
Here are some tips from TAMU PD to keep yourself safe while you're out and about:
- Don't drink from a can or bottle that you did not open yourself
- Avoid punch bowls or drinks that are being passed in a group setting
- Do use your own cup with a lid and a straw
- Don't leave your drink unattended. If you leave your drink to dance, talk to friends, or use the restroom, throw it out and get a new one
- If your drink has unusual taste or appearance, like a salty taste or unexplained residue, throw it out
- Watch out for your friends and ask them to watch out for you. Have a plan to check in with each other at set times
- If your friend appears intoxicated, gets sick, passes out, is having trouble walking or breathing, do what you need to do to make sure your friend is safe. Call 911 in case of an emergency
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