It's important to know the risk when going out in Medellin. Our guides are experienced and know how to keep you safe!
You may have heard the stories, but hopefully, you haven't experienced Devil's Breath before.
One commonly found substance in Colombia...
Drugs in Colombia? Tell me more!
No, these aren't the recreational kind of drugs. We're talking about the risks of being drugged, robbed, or worse while enjoying the nightlife in Colombia. Enter scopolamine, the sinister substance that can strip you of your free will and make you an easy target for criminals.
Is scopolamine a real danger?
Absolutely, 100%. If you're planning a trip to South America, understanding the dangers of 'Devil's Breath' is crucial.
However, while some foreigners have lived in Colombia for years without encountering any issues, others have had their drinks spiked on their first night out in cities like Bogota or Medellin.
Allow me to share a friend's harrowing experience:
"One night, I woke up abruptly in my dimly lit room. She had vanished.
I stumbled out of bed, frantically searching for my laptop on the nearby table – gone. Panic surged through me as I fumbled for my jeans and shoes. I managed to put them on and bolted out the door.
As I took the first step on the staircase, my legs gave out. I stumbled, nearly colliding with a neighbor who was also an unfamiliar face in the building. It was 4:30 am, and I had only seen one neighbor in the four weeks I'd lived there. What were the odds of encountering one now?
He chuckled, pressing against the wall to avoid a collision, probably assuming I was drunk. But I didn't care; I had to catch the person who had drugged me.
I reached the main door, flung it open, and sprinted into the street. It was deserted. I glanced both ways, but there was no one in sight.
I made a feeble attempt to chase an imaginary taxi I thought she might be in.
My body moved, but my mind remained foggy. There was no taxi, and she was long gone."
It doesn't sound like a fun night out, does it? Falling victim to drugging and robbery, losing nearly $2,000 USD worth of electronics is a nightmare scenario.
But is this a common occurrence?
Let's dig deeper. Below, I'll provide you with all the essential information about scopolamine in Colombia and across South America in general.
Table of Contents
What is Scopolamine? Scopolamine Side Effects How Common is 'Devil's Breath' in Colombia? How Concerned Should Traveling Gringos Be?!
What is Scopolamine? First, let's delve into scopolamine and how it operates. What exactly is scopolamine? Well, that's a complex question.
On the surface, scopolamine is utilized as a "roofie." Criminals slip it into drinks or attempt to have their targets absorb it through their skin. Once scopolamine takes hold, victims often lose their free will.
Instead of making rational decisions, they become susceptible to the criminal's commands, often divulging sensitive information like bank account passwords and more.
Scopolamine can be extracted from a flower commonly found in Colombia. Many criminals in Colombia source their scopolamine from a tree known as the "borrachero."
You can also purchase scopolamine at a pharmacy, where it's used to treat seasickness. The pharmaceutical version comes in a patch, designed to alleviate nausea and vomiting during sea voyages.
Regardless of how criminals acquire it, scopolamine is also known as "Devil's Breath" because seasoned criminals can administer it without the victim even consuming the drug.
How Does Scopolamine Work?
Scopolamine Side Effects So, what are some common scopolamine side effects? They can vary greatly, as individual responses to pharmaceutical drugs differ, and dosage plays a significant role.
Common pharmaceutical side effects include:
Nausea
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Blurred Vision
Fast Heartbeat
Headaches
Poor Coordination
And more!
However, when used as a "roofie," scopolamine induces different effects. Unless administered in high doses, it typically doesn't knock the victim out entirely. Instead, it renders them submissive, extinguishing their free will. The criminal gains control, dictating the victim's actions.
In this way, scopolamine is not only effective at incapacitating victims and robbing them but can also be used to empty bank accounts and more.
Many victims have recounted stories of being drugged and then willingly going to ATMs or banks to withdraw their funds for the criminals.
Other tales describe victims unknowingly assisting thieves in clearing out their own homes, transferring furniture, electronics, and cash into getaway vans while oblivious doormen watched, assuming everything was normal.
How Common is 'Devil's Breath' in Colombia? The tree that naturally produces scopolamine is widespread throughout the Colombian countryside, making it relatively easy for individuals to obtain the drug in this country.
While there is concern about men using scopolamine for nefarious purposes, the reality is different. Attractive women often target male visitors they perceive as affluent. They meet these men at bars or on dating sites, quickly gaining access to their apartments or homes. Once there, the trap is set, and when the man is momentarily distracted, scopolamine finds its way into his drink, alcoholic or not.
Minutes later, the victim is powerless to stop the theft of his computer, camera, smartphone, and cash. For many male travelers, this translates to losses of $2,000 or more in stolen valuables.
But how common is this? Unofficial reports suggest that there are over 50,000 cases of scopolamine druggings in Colombia each year.
In reality, the number could be even higher. While I spend a lot of time in Colombia and haven't personally experienced drugging, three of my close friends have.
All of them had their laptops and smartphones stolen. One even woke up in a ditch on the street. It's hard to believe, but these stories are all too real.
Getting drugged in Colombia is not uncommon, and the practice appears to be on the rise. Many individuals, often struggling financially, have discovered how easy it is to slip scopolamine into a traveler's drink and make off with their possessions.
How Concerned Should Traveling Gringos Be? Now, I don't mean to alarm you. Many people visit Colombia and have a fantastic time without encountering any problems. However, taking precautions is essential.
First and foremost, never leave your food or drink unattended in Colombia. Finish your beverage or meal before heading to the restroom. Don't allow your newfound friend or date to order a drink for you. Be cautious.
Next, avoid going to bars and clubs alone. You are less likely to be targeted if you're with friends.
Lastly, build a rapport with the doormen at your apartment building or hotel. Inform them that your friends or guests should not leave without you accompanying them. Consider offering tips or food to your doormen; their goodwill can provide an added layer of protection.
If you ever suspect someone might be trying to drug you, whether it's a woman or a man, cease communication and leave immediately. No matter how attractive they may seem, it's not worth the risk.
Getting drugged in Colombia does happen, and scopolamine is a real danger. However, with some common-sense precautions, you can enjoy your time in this beautiful country without incident. Colombia is one of my favorite destinations in Latin America, and it's definitely worth a visit. Just remember to keep your wits about you while having fun.
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