Narcotics stolen from hospital

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Halifax Regional Police is warning the public about potentially dangerous narcotics drugs that were stolen from the QEII Health Sciences Centre in the last three weeks.

On August 14, police were contacted by the QEII Health Sciences Centre after a number of vials of narcotics went missing from various floors at the hospital. At least 16 vials of the drug Midazolam are believed to have been stolen since the start of August.

Investigators are asking anyone with information about these thefts to contact police at 902-490-5016. Anonymous tips can be sent to Crime Stoppers by calling toll-free 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submitting a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca or texting a tip - Tip 202 + your message to 274637. 

Midazolam is a type of Benzodiazepine drug and can be dangerous if used inappropriately. It is water soluble, odourless, tasteless and colourless, and could be used as a drug to facilitate sexual assault (aka “date rape drug”). Benzodiazepines also come in other forms.

Drug-facilitated sexual assaults are a crime. Even if you drank alcohol or willingly took drugs, you are not at fault for being assaulted. You cannot "ask for it" or cause it to happen. Follow these simple tips to reduce the risk of someone slipping a drug into your drink: 

Know where your drink is coming from: watch your drink being poured by a professional bar staff or pour your drink yourself. Don’t share drinks or accept a drink from someone you don’t know. Watch your drink: keep your drink with you at all times, even when you go to the bathroom. If you realize you’ve left you drink unattended, pour it out. Don't drink anything that tastes, smells, or looks strange. If you feel drunk and haven't drunk any alcohol, or, if you feel like the effects of drinking alcohol are stronger than usual, or if you feel you have been drugged, get help right away. When you are out drinking, don't leave with strangers or people you don't feel comfortable with. It is a good idea to have one friend stay sober for the evening to keep an eye out for those who choose to drink. If you believe you have been drugged or have been sexually assaulted, please seek medical assistance immediately. Sexual assault medical/forensic exams conducted through the Avalon Centre Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) are available 24 hours a day and will only be conducted with the victim’s consent. Police are not contacted unless the victim agrees to it. The Avalon Centre SANE program can be contacted by calling 902-425-0122, more information is available on their website at http://avaloncentre.ca/quicklinks/ive-just-been-sexually-assaulted/.