Rohypnol (Flunitrazepam)

Rohypnol (flunitrazepam) is a potent benzodiazepine sedative 10 times stronger than diazepam (Valium). It was originally manufactured by Roche as a pre-surgical anaesthetic and severe insomnia treatment. It has never been legally approved for use in Nigeria. Despite this, it circulates on illicit markets — particularly in university towns and nightlife areas across South-South and Southeast Nigeria — primarily in tablet form. It is colourless, tasteless, and odourless in its original formulation (newer versions have a blue dye that changes drink colour when dissolved, but the original remains in circulation).

The primary danger of Rohypnol is its use as a drug of facilitation for sexual assault and robbery. A single 1mg tablet dissolved in a drink produces sedation within 15–20 minutes, causes anterograde amnesia (complete inability to form new memories during the period of effect), and renders the victim incapacitated for 8–12 hours. The victim has no memory of events during this period. Physical evidence degrades rapidly, making it extremely difficult to prosecute crimes committed while a victim is under its influence. It is critical that anyone who suspects their drink has been spiked leaves with a trusted companion immediately and seeks medical assessment — rohypnol can be detected in urine for up to 72 hours after ingestion.

For those who use rohypnol recreationally — typically combined with alcohol or other drugs for intensified sedation — the risks include respiratory depression (can stop breathing), dangerous loss of physical control and judgment, and the severe risk of accidents and victimisation while incapacitated. Benzodiazepine dependence develops with as few as 2–4 weeks of regular use, and withdrawal from heavy rohypnol dependence causes seizures, severe anxiety, and psychosis — making it one of the physically most dangerous substances to stop without medical assistance.

The combination of rohypnol with opioids (tramadol, codeine) or alcohol is particularly dangerous and accounts for a significant proportion of drug-related deaths in Nigerian hospitals. Each substance individually causes respiratory depression — combined, the effect is multiplicative and can stop breathing completely.