Lab tests show no date-rape drugs in women's systems

A laboratory analysis has failed to prove there were any date-rape drugs in the systems of three women who were found in a state of severe impairment in downtown Whitefish last October, according to information from the Whitefish Police Department.

On Oct. 27, 2019, the Whitefish Police Department responded to Casey’s Bar in downtown Whitefish following the report of one unresponsive woman and two others who were seriously impaired. The three women were transported to North Valley Hospital where they were treated and released.

During their stay at North Valley Hospital, bodily fluids were collected and sent to the Montana Crime Lab for analysis.

The results of the lab analysis indicated they were unable to detect any known date-rape drugs in the three women, Police Chief Bill Dial said in a press release Wednesday. However, a high level of alcohol was found in all three and one individual had alcohol and THC in her system. THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is a crystalline compound that is the main active ingredient of cannabis.

Following the incident there was a social media frenzy alleging “date-rape drugs” had been introduced into the three women’s systems.

“The Whitefish Police Department encourages anyone who suspects they or anyone else have been drugged to contact the police immediately so we can investigate,” Dial said. “However, unsubstantiated rumors and social media postings containing only part of the story and conjecture is discouraged as it serves no purpose.”