By paNOW

More arrests in Estevan linked to date rape drug

Sep 11, 2014 | 1:20 AM

There is a lot more caution now in Estevan when it comes to enjoying a drink at the bar thanks to increased awareness about the date rape drug.

In April, News Talk Radio told you about a woman who came forward after her she was drugged while drinking at a party.

After reporting to police and the story going public, at least four more people came out and claimed they were also drugged.

Following those reports the local Derrick Motor Hotel bar came up with a solution to sell cups from the dollar store that came with a lid and a straw for $5. It was an attempt to prevent anyone from tossing GHB, also known as the date-rape drug, into drinks.

Now almost half a year later, is it working? Bar manager Regina Rooks says the individual cups did not sell very well. She said those cups also stood out and people didn’t want to walk around with them.

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The bar still wanted to provide a safe cup to customers so they called the manufacturer of a 32-ounce cup they were using and asked for lids. It now serves as a bigger cup for the same amount of alcohol (a maximum of three ounces) and it’s now more popular than ever.

“There’s absolutely no way you can get anything in those glasses,” said Rooks.

Karen Goudy is the mother of Jayln, who stepped forward after being drugged. She said not only are bartenders and customers more cautious, it also seems police are actually being more proactive about drugs in the community.

“They busted a lot of people in Estevan and I’ve noticed every week it’s getting to be more and more, so I think it made everybody aware,” said Goudy.

Although there is not a known link to any specific case, one of the most recent arrests was a man by the name of Brian Miles. He is facing charges in Estevan related to the production of GHB, or the date-rape drug. He will be back in court on Oct. 20.

It brings Goudy to tears when thinking about how proud she is of her daughter coming forward and helping to make a positive change for the people of Estevan. Goudy said Jayln has since turned her life around and made some serious choices about who she hangs out with.

“This is the best outcome to have come out of that tragic situation.”

news@panow.com

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