Message from GIB

gringoloid says on May 3, 2008, 10:55:

bump it up

morphus says on May 3, 2008, 11:10:

Hey John, thanks for the report. I hope you will be ok. This sounds like some serious shit. I'm sure they can put it on taxis door handles too....basically anywhere you can imagine. I definately will be carrying a pair of surgical gloves with me next time in Colombia.

Frank Rizzo says on May 3, 2008, 11:15:

wow !! sorry to hear this...get well soon GIB...

that placing the drug on the keypad at the ATM's is a scary thing..no doubt..

Mr. Hollywood says on May 3, 2008, 11:51:

FYI, "la Roche" is a street name for Rohypnol, aka "roofies". Normally it needs to be ingested but they could be using something to make it soluable through the skin, I suppose.

Thanks for the report.

gringoloid says on May 3, 2008, 12:04:

very interesting........this is the 'date rape' drug that the 'rolex girls' used on men at the kentucky derby.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rohypnol

PALEOLITICO says on May 3, 2008, 12:30:

Me alegra de verdad que estes bien. Dios te protegió una vez mas... Un abrazo.

"Amar a la gente y usar las cosas y NO amar a las cosas y usar la gente" www.paleolitico.net

gringoloid says on May 3, 2008, 13:41:

here is another message from GIB:

"The other thing to this drug that I did not mention is that it is often in a spray bottle. So what happens and I think what happened to me was that it was a band of people working together. I came up to the teller and there was a couple guys in line. OK so they went in and the last one sprayed the keypad down with this La Roche and then wnet and waited for me on the corner. Oh and please this is well known here and is what the police and the Docortor said if you have any doubts about it call the Toxicol at 217-9552 and ask them if it can be absorbed through the skin. Anyway so there you are in line and don't realize that the person in front of you is part of the banda and you go in and touch this kepad wet with the drug and there ya go. I was a little bit upset with the two guys across the street who laughed at me when I left the teller. At the time I was not but it was strange, later I thougt they new what happened and thought it funny, I realize now they were part of the banda. A woman came up she looked like a drug addict and said something to the guy in line behind me who I assume was also part of the banda. So they operate in groups, 4 or five people. I thought this lady very strange but I will admit my guard was down. Not sure if my guard was up I would have caught this trap honestly. Complacency is your worst enemy here. But anyway it woudl have been anyone coming along at the time since it was not set up just for the gringo but for the next person showing up. It happened to be me.

There is no cure for this all you can do is drink lot's of water and flush it out of your system, it takes about 5 days. be informed, be aware and be careful everyone."

My friends have guarded me away in my house. I guess I am some target on the street the way I am. I can't walk very well and what not so anyway here I am bored shitless. Taker easy!

John

tomtom33 says on May 3, 2008, 13:55:

Thanks for sharing. I hope your recovery is speedy and complete.

I have a problem with complacency as well.

Brians says on May 3, 2008, 14:11:

John hope you get better soon. Crazy story but you seem to have a good balance in light of it. Don't escalate anything down there. Not worth it.

goin_south says on May 3, 2008, 14:59:

GL... why does she wipe down the keypad 'after' she uses the ATM?

why can't the freakin Chung King Chinese just LEAVE THE FREAKN DOLLY LLAMA and Tibet ... ALONE!

Alma del Norte says on May 3, 2008, 15:05:

GS...maybe she thinks someone will be able to record which keys have been pressed, I don't know, from fingerprints or something. I see people pressing random keys just before they leave the ATM - sure puts me off the scent.

arthur brode says on May 3, 2008, 15:06:

thanks for the advice GIB
glad you are ok

http://www.calirentals.net/

robi666 says on May 3, 2008, 15:10:

It must be a "worked" Rohypnol. Rohypnol is not that bad...

Take care John. Patiently wait this stuff to go away.
I understand why people tell you to not escalate the problem. But, being honest, I would.

"I am a citizen of the most beautiful nation on earth. A nation whose laws are harsh yet simple, a nation that never cheats, which is immense and without borders, where life is lived in the present."

LilaM says on May 3, 2008, 15:49:

GIB is always nice to know that you are recovering, take care, and anything you need just tell me I'm here these holidays, regards, LilaM.

Love brings us together, it tears us apart..and yet we still believe.

Man Tequila says on May 3, 2008, 16:09:

Rohypnol is very lipophilic. This means this chemical likes fat. Since most membranes are made of fat, it does not penetrate them so easily. But I haven't talked to Toxicol ;) Before being discontinued it was made by Roche pharmaceutical company.

Of course I believe GIB, but I think it is probably a different chemical.

pues se me antoja que sus cantares son de una tierra desconocida, y yo le dije si a usted le inspira, saber la tierra de donde soy... con mucho gusto y a mucho honor...

Morrongo says on May 3, 2008, 17:47:

Glad you are feeling better GIB....and the reminder ...if you are in the wrong place at the wrong time ,what can happen.Its good that GIB shared this experience withus, as complacency can be our biggest enemy

lampltr says on May 3, 2008, 17:48:

I side with everyone GIB, the very best to you and I am glad you are coming around and you are able to share with us all.....Sorry everyone but I side with Robi, it definitely would be vindicated afterwards!...if located these fools would pay and would be looking over their shoulders daily...Happily I always had 2 locals by my side and I was always wearing a bikers helmet to conceal my identity where I was located in Cauca, but I was extremely paranoid walking up to any machines regardless.

billyb says on May 3, 2008, 18:11:

GIB, glad to hear you are ok. BTW, heard from unreliable sources (going_south) that you were an OK dude, jajja.

Man Tequila says on May 3, 2008, 19:18:

There's a difference between reliability and being batshit insane. ;)

pues se me antoja que sus cantares son de una tierra desconocida, y yo le dije si a usted le inspira, saber la tierra de donde soy... con mucho gusto y a mucho honor...

bufalo says on May 3, 2008, 19:58:

holy crap hope all's OK. as far as wiping it down after, I heard they do something with powder or so to know what keys you pressed after you use the ATM. Maybe something with that

"If you don't like it - lump it, take it down the road and dump it." - Archie Bunker played by Carroll O'Connor

lpdiver says on May 3, 2008, 20:08:

Sheesh...All the trips I have made to the ATM. I guess ignorance is bliss!

t

"cook some rice!"

goin_south says on May 3, 2008, 23:19:

such sophisticated criminales

why can't the freakin Chung King Chinese just LEAVE THE FREAKN DOLLY LLAMA and Tibet ... ALONE!

billyb says on May 3, 2008, 23:30:

hey GS, colombians are nothing, if not sophisticated ;)

lpdiver says on May 4, 2008, 00:02:

One stole my heart.

t

"cook some rice!"

toneloc24 says on May 4, 2008, 00:21:

Hey GIB-

Morphus and Elmo just pointed this out to me. Take your time and just relax. Whatever it was, will flush from your system in a few days.

When I got "scoped" earlier this year in the north of Bogota, it took me a week for my nervous system to recover. I wrote about it over at CB, won't bother here.

You'll be okay, and be an asshole to folks that you don't really know. No, seriously. Fuck complacency in a den of sharks,

"Don't tase me, bro!!!!"

billyb says on May 4, 2008, 00:32:

This should be a cautionary tale for you gringos, when two of our most "dialed in" expats can fall victim to the depravity of the nefarious colombian underground in Bogota, the rest of you shold be all the more alert.

huskie says on May 4, 2008, 04:00:

Thank you for sharing, hope for a speddy recovery. Where in Colombia did this happen?
Cheers

"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds-"

kalder says on May 4, 2008, 05:00:

Best wishes. Take care.

"kalder- have you ever had a woman?"--Sam Salmon

dwmte7 says on May 4, 2008, 05:18:

yo, GIB, you gnarly old fart....sorry to hear that the score's--if only temporarily--bad guys, 1; GIB, zip. i'm absolutely certain you'll bring that to parity in no time, if not actually bumping it up in your favor a few notches!!! jeje.

really, friend, sorry for the wierdness you've encountered and it's my sincere hope, you recover quickly and fully. remember, it wasn't but about a year ago, i counceled you at length to get the f**k outta bogota, as it is basically 'suck city', with, in my opinion, no redeeming features. go to medallo and grow old in style....and in good health.

peace bro. douglas

dwmte

kat1 (Moderator) says on May 4, 2008, 05:29:

I wonder how those people ( the thieves) know about the effects of this drugs? do they google, how they get the Info..

The same happened to my brother but luckily he was with some friend and his partner, the gang that did it it was a group of girls, he said he didn't know how they did it because he never accepted any drinks from the girls.
I heard that this is why some bars in Colombia don't accept group of just girls or men it have o be couples but what difference will this make eh? none

vicshere says on May 4, 2008, 05:48:

dam GIB really is out of it...i got his email and he didnt even remember me..."when you coming to colombia"...poor guy...get better man...we're waiting

listo

Lostgringo says on May 4, 2008, 06:01:

I always wipe down the bottle of beer I get with a napkin. Always. I never thought about the ATM machine. GIB I am very sorry to hear about your troubles. I will be in Bogota in about a month. I hope we can meet up. Take care of yourself. I still think you need to check out Medellin.

I remember walking in Bogota and I thought some bird crapped on me. When I wiped it off I recognized it was Avacodo. A bunch of girls were walking passed me as this happened. I think they were thinking about pickpocketing me. Now I wonder. It would have been just as easy for them to throw some of this laden with this drug. All you would have to do is try and clean it off and bang!

Get well big guy

Your Home Away from Home:http://www.welovebogota.com http://www.apartmentinbogota.com "Luxury apartment and rooms Cheap" Only 2 blocks from the American Embassy!

guacharaca says on May 4, 2008, 08:53:

I have heard that this drug can cause permanent brain damage. There are Colombians that never recover 100%.

CatGirl says on May 4, 2008, 09:28:

Hello GIB
Don't know if you remember me, but..
Sounds like there are some people out there that have way too much time on their hands or are definitely career criminals..

Hope all is better with you

ooops! ....Did I say that?

goin_south says on May 4, 2008, 11:31:

You can purchase your very own set of Esco-proof rubber gloves on my new paypal sight.

why can't the freakin Chung King Chinese just LEAVE THE FREAKN DOLLY LLAMA and Tibet ... ALONE!

greg says on May 4, 2008, 13:49:

I have heard that this drug can cause permanent brain damage. There are Colombians that never recover 100%.


This happened to one of my wives cousins. He never recovered and died a few years later

Medellin Traveler says on May 4, 2008, 16:26:

I noticed this new guy I had never seen in one of the barrios I hang out in Medellin on my first day back and something about him made me somewhat uncomfortable, he looked very shifty.

After three days of keeping a close eye on him, I finally decided to ask about who this guy was because his actions seemed very erratic.

It turns out this young guy was drugged and robbed by some ladrones. I asked why would they rob some guy who looks homeless.. It turns out this young man used to be a normal hard-working paisa until he became yet another victim of Escopalamina.

It all happend after he purchased a new pair of name brand gym shoes, someone wanted them so they decided to drug him. In the process, they gave him a very high dose and the young man has never recovered, it´s been three months now.

The family decided to send him away to a family members home where he could be cared for most of the day.

He spends his days wandering aimlessly throughout the barrios, wearing the same clothes since I first seen him.

It´s freakin´sickening that people would resort to drugging people in order to rob them. Why not just pound the piss out of them, take what you want, and let the victim have an apportunity to recover.

If that young man was my son, brother, nephew, I would go on a freakin´ manhunt and go Charles Bronson, maybe go medieval on all those responsible.

Are there any laws in Colombia that deter ladrones from using drugs on unsuspecting victims? If not, there should definitely be some harsh laws enacted to prevent this type of cowardly behaviour

GIB get well.

Medellin Es Una Chimba! - www.medellintraveler.com

droble77 says on May 4, 2008, 16:48:

Goddam, more scary shit to worry about. As if burundanga was not enough! There's lots of little scams and common thievery in Cuba, but Colombia really takes the cake when it comes to coming up with the most devious ways to part you from your money, and nearly kill you in the process!

My question would be WHERE did this happen? I always got the impression that GIB liked to hang out in some of the sketchier areas of Bogota. When I took out money from the ATM, it was at a Bancolombia that always had a guard during normal business hours. That might not stop you from getting jumped by thieves a block away from the bank, but it at least makes it difficult for the bad guys to tamper with the ATM. I would think the ATMs in the malls would also be hard for thieves to tamper with.

One more thought, I always wanted to mention to GIB that I thought he had spent way too much time in Bogota, he sounded in a lot of his posts kind of burned out, even angry. . . if this incident isn't a sign telling him it's time to move on, I don't know what is!

vicshere says on May 4, 2008, 17:13:

GIB was only angry at some many stuipd people on PBH

listo

lampltr says on May 4, 2008, 17:27:

MT you are right....goingsouth, you are a trip bro....you selling 5 finger condoms or rubber gloves.

Rubito says on May 4, 2008, 17:41:

They were putting shit like this or something very similar on payphone keypads in NYC back in the 90s, before cell phones became ubiquitous.

---Violence is the price of freedom.---

droble77 says on May 4, 2008, 17:41:

"GIB was only angry at some many stupid people on PBH"

Well, yeah, because they didn't appreciate the dangers of Colombia. Go figure the irony on that one! And he certainly sounded to me that he was burned out on living in Bog. . . who wouldn't after living thru the exponential growth in traffic, etc. of the past few years?

The funny part is that I know at least one guy who definitely lives a bit "on the edge" for months at a time in Bogota, and I don't think something like this has (yet?) to happen to him. Also, there's plenty of backpacker types that come to Bog and party very hard with all kinds of substances, maybe with the low-end hookers too. . . possibly the semi-pro and pro criminals don't usually target them because they already know these types don't have that much money. . . ??

It's weird how shit like this hits some people but never seems to touch others who you might even think are more vulnerable to it due to their lifestyle.

Rubito says on May 4, 2008, 17:42:

Traffic in Bogota is still WORLDS better than it was before the TM.

---Violence is the price of freedom.---

Lostgringo says on May 4, 2008, 18:42:

droble77 your explanation is correct most of the time but not all of the time. Random things happen. Call it Murphy's law if you likeThe reason it may happen to GIB is that he lives on the streets when he is in Bogota. By that I mean he eats and goes to places where the Colombians go. You won't see him in Crepes and Waffles. He is very visible. Not to mention that he is a big man and stands out. What I am trying to say is that GIB acts like he is Colombian not a GRINGO. Unfortunately, that may put him in a different category than the weekend warriors that go to Colombia for a week and think they know it all. Also, contrary to what you may think I don't believe he is in a habit of visiting funky places in Bogota. He is not stupid and he does know his surroundings. I know this because GIB was my tour guide in Bogota for over a week. Best damn tour guide you could ever have. Also, he is not in the habit of making enemies. He makes a special effort to be friendly with everyone.
Get well GIB.

Your Home Away from Home:http://www.welovebogota.com http://www.apartmentinbogota.com "Luxury apartment and rooms Cheap" Only 2 blocks from the American Embassy!

goin_south says on May 4, 2008, 18:50:

I had the privilege of meeting him, and I concur with what Lostgringo wrote.

why can't the freakin Chung King Chinese just LEAVE THE FREAKN DOLLY LLAMA and Tibet ... ALONE!

CatGirl says on May 4, 2008, 18:58:

Greg "I have heard that this drug can cause permanent brain damage. There are Colombians that never recover 100%."

Although I am sure that an experience of having something happen like this can be traumatic...unless someone has a fatal overdose...wonder how true what you heard was (almost sounds like a rumor), but if it IS True? It would explain many things,jajaja

ooops! ....Did I say that?

Lisa Zee says on May 4, 2008, 20:00:

How this criminal linger around ATMs?. Don`t they have cameras?, How about pressing the key pad with the top of a pencil?.

I am glad you are feeling better.

droble77 says on May 4, 2008, 20:00:

Hi lostgringo,

All I can say is if he's a "big man and stands out" then acting "like he is Colombian" ain't gonna do much. If he is "very visible" like you say, then yeah, there's a risk there. I try to blend in as much as I can, and be around people I can trust.

I'm not a huge fan, but what's the deal with the Crepes & Waffles snipe? It doesn't appear to be just a "gringo" hangout, it's usually busy with Colombians maybe not the poor types though.
[On a side note, I think many Colombians make a big stink about C & W and certain other so-called "gringo" venues when quite frankly, I don't see what the big deal is, but that's a whole other social/cultural issue I don't want to get into right now.]

Also, if you're trying to insinuate I'm one of those gringo "weekend warriors" relax and back off, that's just the kind of attitude that got GIB into conflict with various people here and we all know how that ended. I don't think I come across as a self-proclaimed expert. But I do find it ironic that one who did present himself as such ended up nearly being ensnared in a very scary situation. Nevertheless, I do appreciate his warning about this new drug and scam and I certainly don't wish him any ill. That is one part of Colombia I do NOT want to know on an upclose basis!

bickerss says on May 4, 2008, 20:04:

is this the drug?

http://www.susmedicos.com/art_escopolamina.htm

bickerss says on May 4, 2008, 20:21:

english info here - trialed as a truth serum drug in the 60s' -

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scopolamine

webmanco says on May 4, 2008, 20:21:

Gracias Bickerss por el enlace

But, I'm going to start making some assumptions here.... Which means I might actually end up making an ass out of myself ..........Thu 04 17, 2008 11:34 am

bickerss says on May 4, 2008, 20:25:

from the website -

[edit] Criminal use
Scopolamine has been used under the name burundanga, a jungle form of Rohypnol in Venezuelan and Thailand resorts in order to drug and then rob tourists. Delivery mechanisms include using pamphlets and flyers laced with the drug; however, spiked alcoholic drinks are the most common. [5]

A nine part series on the drug, also known as "Colombian Devil's Breath", can be found on VBS.TV.

In recent years the criminal use of scopolamine has become an epidemic. Approximately fifty percent of emergency room admissions for poisoning in Bogotá have been attributed to scopolamine.[6]

Victims of this crime are often admitted to a hospital in police custody, under the assumption that the patient is experiencing a psychotic episode. A telltale sign is a fever accompanied by a lack of sweat.

Scopolamine is used criminally as a date rape drug and as an aid to robbery,[7] the most common act being the clandestine drugging of a victim's drink[8]. It is preferred because it induces anterograde amnesia, or an inability to recall events prior to its administration or during the time of intoxication

CatGirl says on May 4, 2008, 22:13:

"A telltale sign is a fever accompanied by a lack of sweat." - Sounds like it has some similar neurological actions as "E". There are soooo many drugs considered "Truth Serum Drugs.."China White" (Fentanyl) is given IV in the hospital. It is a truth serum drug too.
Ok - enough talk on this drug it's been around for a while, boooring topic.

Again, sorry GIB

ooops! ....Did I say that?

goin_south says on May 4, 2008, 22:18:

good idea, I think, Lisa.... about using the tip of a pencil.
But... I do not even use these machines...
As you also say: "Don't they have cameras?" (and can see which buttons you push, perhaps from far, far away.)

why can't the freakin Chung King Chinese just LEAVE THE FREAKN DOLLY LLAMA and Tibet ... ALONE!

Lisa Zee says on May 4, 2008, 22:56:

All ATMs here in the States have a camera that records every person. The eraser top of a pencil GS!, have you seen women with those long nails type and work the register?!

goin_south says on May 5, 2008, 00:15:

well, maybe the Colombians should wake up on this one and put CAMERAS ON ALL THE ATM'S.

oh...oh,... disculpa... they have other more important things to tend to,.... like... who's winning the cocaine wars... FARC OR PARA'S.... along with how many terms Uncle Alvaro willl serve. (Well... at least, I think, he is worrying/working about it)

why can't the freakin Chung King Chinese just LEAVE THE FREAKN DOLLY LLAMA and Tibet ... ALONE!

kalder says on May 5, 2008, 02:31:

It's a serious problem and can happen to anyone. Even Colombians who work for banks. Such as my wife who used to work for Conavi. She started to use an ATM in Cali and she suddenly felt dizzy and her eyes began to water. Not surprisingly, given her job, she knew what had happened and got out fast, but it was a close thing. And, yes, the ATMs in the booths are on CCTV, but it doesn't seem to deter the criminals unduly.

"kalder- have you ever had a woman?"--Sam Salmon

jaime_in_uk says on May 5, 2008, 03:34:

My family is from Colombia and I go back every couple of years. My family always has warned me about this drug and have told me stories about how people have been robbed, but I have never heard it being sprayed on ATMs (scary stuff). This link has a story on escopolamina, I have watched the first 3 chapters and its pretty interesting, but unfortunately he does paint a very ugly picture of Colombia. http://www.vbs.tv/video.php?id=1119242704

sloopskipper says on May 5, 2008, 03:39:

Use the ATMs inside the bank, like Bancolombia has.

Lostgringo says on May 5, 2008, 05:57:

drople77 I never really meant to say you were a weekend warrior. That statement was not meant for you at all. After all I hardly know you. It was simply used to explain how some tourists can get themselves in trouble without knowing the lay of the land so-to-speak. Please don't threaten me in terms of GIB. In my humble opinion he is better off not having to deal with some of simpleton people that post here. That is not directed at you, it is a statement I am making about some of the people who hid behind their computers and attacked him. But I regress.

All I was attempting to say was that GIB is not the kind of guy that hangs around expensive restaurants...that's all. Poor example maybe. I learned a long time ago that some Gringos will never blend in 100%. GIB is one of them. But it's just his stature that stands out not his interaction with others and not the way he dresses. It's hard to explain and I don't need to get into all of this.

Your Home Away from Home:http://www.welovebogota.com http://www.apartmentinbogota.com "Luxury apartment and rooms Cheap" Only 2 blocks from the American Embassy!

kat1 (Moderator) says on May 5, 2008, 06:02:

he's blonde, blue eyes very tall and what ever people said about Colombian having blonde blue eyes you do stand out, GIB could never pass as a Colombiano no matter what.

Medellin Traveler says on May 5, 2008, 06:37:

Hope GIB is doing well in his recovery.

MT says, ¨It´s freakin´sickening that people would resort to drugging people in order to rob them. Why not just pound the piss out of them, take what you want, and let the victim have an apportunity to recover.

If that young man was my son, brother, nephew, I would go on a freakin´ manhunt and go Charles Bronson, maybe go medieval on all those responsible.

Are there any laws in Colombia that deter ladrones from using drugs on unsuspecting victims? If not, there should definitely be some harsh laws enacted to prevent this type of cowardly behaviour.¨

GIB get well.

Medellin Es Una Chimba! - www.medellintraveler.com

Mr. Hollywood says on May 5, 2008, 08:03:

MT, Colombia has plenty of laws. You can bet that drugging people and robbing them is highly illegal. The problem lies in the follow through. Too much crime too little law enforcement and legal resources = a high likelihood that one can get away, literally, with murder. Which, of course, only encourages more crime.

webmanco says on May 5, 2008, 08:06:

MH
Too much crime too little law enforcement and legal resources = a high likelihood that one can get away, literally, with murder. Which, of course, only encourages more crime.

Too many kids, alcohol, low pay jobs, or not jobs at all.

But, I'm going to start making some assumptions here.... Which means I might actually end up making an ass out of myself ..........Thu 04 17, 2008 11:34 am

Mr. Hollywood says on May 5, 2008, 08:55:

Sure, all that, too. Hopelessness and lack of opportunity also leads to more crime.

capt_j says on May 5, 2008, 09:21:

I think the point should be, learn from somebody else's experience what the potential dangers of travel in Colombia can be, not who knows more. I think everybody here has enjoyed visiting Colombia but no trip is worth being the victim of a serious crime, and while life always involves some risks a prudent person takes reasonable precautions.

So, we now know that disabling drugs can be administered through an ATM keypad or other touch. I had never heard of this before so this is good to know.

I think being experienced and familiar with the country is no guarantee of avoiding trouble, from GIB's and toneloc24's experiences. GIB's experience would have been a lot worse if he had not had a friend to help him out.

I guess part of the lesson is when you can, go out with people you trust, who can help you out if you get in trouble. Another part would be, anytime you are getting money out of an ATM you are a target, and must be careful while approaching, at the ATM, and for some distance after you leave it, and need to be especially vigilant.

I would like it if people would share stories not just about actual crimes, but close calls or fishy situations they've experienced, so we would know what to look for.

Tinto (Moderator) says on May 5, 2008, 10:16:

GIB - Sorry to hear about your misfortune. I hope you make a quick and complete recovery.

By the way, I kinda doubt you have to trade every day to pay the monthly rent or food bill, but if you are carrying positions, I hope you have someone you trust that can help you exit them now or manage them until you're back at 100%. Maybe Gringoloid is the guy - that is if you want to be long up the ying-yang on The Trilateral Commission, Zapruder Films Inc. and AU.

;-)

ColombianoGringo says on May 5, 2008, 10:17:

It doesn't sound like regular Rohypnol. As crazy as it sounds, I actually took Rohypnol once in my early twenties on a dare. I got extremely wasted, but did not suffer any of the symptoms described by GIB.

In any case, it is never a good idea to go to an ATM alone and wiping them down seems like a good idea, but you would have to be careful as the chemical might seep through the paper you use.

GIB,

I hope you recover quickly. Stay safe.

robi666 says on May 5, 2008, 12:17:

That's what i was saying CG... ;)
Rohypnol is a pretty common recreational drug in Colombia.

"I am a citizen of the most beautiful nation on earth. A nation whose laws are harsh yet simple, a nation that never cheats, which is immense and without borders, where life is lived in the present."

webmanco says on May 5, 2008, 12:22:

I still don´t think this method it is use widely on ATM´s, just like the electro shock cellphones used by cab drivers, let´s not be paranoid but if you must then do wear gloves.

http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/100002287.html

La Roche is mostly "pepas" for recreational use.

But, I'm going to start making some assumptions here.... Which means I might actually end up making an ass out of myself ..........Thu 04 17, 2008 11:34 am

gringoloid says on May 5, 2008, 14:07:

here is another message from GIB:

I thank everyone for your kind words again. I wanted to follow up since maybe someoen can benefit from my experience god forbid they should ever be trapped.

There is a certain missbeleif that you ahve to be in the wrong part of town to get into trouble. It is jsut not at all the case. Althoguh some parts are more dangerous than others these bands operate all over the city. So FYI it was 12:30 in the afternoon on the first of May. I went to the BancoColombia on 140 with 23 or there abouts. I am really sorry any more details adn I would be specualting probably too much but I do beleive there was a banda there that was standing in line ahead of me to make everything appear normal. So when I showed up they went in. I wish I would have payed more attention and noticed anyone coming out but that is for when I am not so confused in my head. It is a real shit feeling that is not going away and is getting very very very very old.

Anyhooo the point is I was unlucky to be the next person in line. If it had been the dose I got into a little old lady she would have probably died. I am pretty big with a lot of body mass so basically I have no idea what I am trying to say. I guess I will say be careful but I know it is bullshit because you can not live careful enough that these hio de punta's can't get you. So rather I will say live lucky. I am hearing from everyone to now go alone to the teller machine, over and over I hear all teh do's and the don't yet when I go to the ATM all I see is people alone going in and out. So apparently NO ONE is following their own advice, probably includes me. You can not live here year after year after year and be that careful. I just do not beleive it is humanly possible. So if you want to live in COlombia you take the good with the bad and live on.

THere are thousands of different symptoms to this since it attacks your central nervous system. The worst not being able to pass a drunkin driving test, walk the line touch your nose and that horseshit. But the confussion is just madning.If you ever experience this buckle down and get yourself shitfaced drunk is my prescrition. My friends got me drunk as shit Sat night and I actually felt better being drunk. SO screw the hospitals even thogu h I went, tehy gave me a CAT scan and basiclaly said they wanted to watch me for the next couple days. I said fuck that and left against the doctors orders. If they can't do anythign for me then what is the point of laying around in the bed? I have nothign but good to say about my hospital experience thoguh so don't get me wrong it is just getting old everyone hen pecking me and it is worse being in the hospital. So anyone that really want's to knwo how I am can coem knock on my door with a bottle of whatever I am not picky and I will tell you all about it. JAJA A little humor but also not far from thetruth. I feel ebtre when having some drinks. So the doc said drink lot's of fluids....yep......

Thanks all again and I hope I helped someone althoguh I don't know how. God Bless and good luck!

Oh I don't hold any ill feelings towards Colombians through this experience. As for the banda...well let me just say that the wrath of God is going to soon rain down upon the f^ckers......

reched my brains limits and going to have to stops. Was that cheer I heard? ;)

bye everyone.

Oh I passed the 5 days the doc told me that I should be better and I am the same I was three days ago so I am goign to have to start getting used to the idea I may have some permanent damage if I don't start at least feeling better.

manINred says on May 5, 2008, 18:22:

This is a disturbing story. There are a variety of drugs that can knock one out like this in Colombia. I suppose it just goes to show that complacency is never an option in Colombia, and barring a non-lack of complacency, bad luck can strike at any time. Oh well, such is life.

Rubito says on May 5, 2008, 18:28:

That drug is worldwide. Like I said, it has been used before here in NYC too. Don't think even for a second that this is a Colombian problem.

---Violence is the price of freedom.---

manINred says on May 5, 2008, 18:37:

I have no choice but to think of it as a Colombian/Ecuadorian pronblem. Hell, I've been on it down there (not by choice). I have never ever seen this in Canada or Europe, most people have never heard of it. Its use is much more widespread in Colombia, that much is certain.

Portena says on May 5, 2008, 18:49:

Hope your brain clears soon, GIB, and you start feeling a lot better.

I feel better! I can smile at it now, I feel better. Ohhhh, better! Gnarls Barkley

christobeldawg says on May 5, 2008, 19:00:

sorry GIB, hope you feel better soon

admittedly, arriving can feel great too

bufalo says on May 6, 2008, 07:15:

Dunno, I'm very blonde, very blue-eyed and fooled many people for good portions of time. When hearing me speak a bit of English, some would even ask me if I studied at the Colombo. Difficult- but it can be done

"If you don't like it - lump it, take it down the road and dump it." - Archie Bunker played by Carroll O'Connor

huskie says on May 6, 2008, 09:54:

I think this is a terrible situation, scary and sad, how can we protect and avoid ourselves from these type of crimes? This is inhuman behaviour by the criminals who perpetrate it. I am hoping for the government to inmplement laws that will castigate perpetrators to the maximun punishments.

Cheers

"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds-"

badboy says on May 6, 2008, 11:39:

GIB: Best of luck in your recovery. But don't accept the possibility of permanent damage so readily. If you don't return to 100% in a few weeks you might consider returning to the U.S. and getting some neurological and physical therapy. They can help in many situations.

badboy

goin_south says on May 6, 2008, 22:49:

I think he's going to be okay. But then, I'm an optimist.

why can't the freakin Chung King Chinese just LEAVE THE FREAKN DOLLY LLAMA and Tibet ... ALONE!

dwmte7 says on May 8, 2008, 14:31:

it's really amazing, i've been in colombia for 19 years and go back when "dangerous" was a misnomer..."deadly" was more like it.

i--when i had money--hung out, lived and partied with the rich in poblado and up in the country

later, when my economics changed--after we lost the business in bev. hills to the rodney king riots--i spent most of my time up in the finca in llano grande but i assure you, i went everywhere, even out to eastern antioquia and hung with friends there and in all these years, the only "BAD" thing that ever happened was for people to steal things from our shops and once from our home in poblado. i feel so lucky, cause i've rubbed my nose in the dirt of colombia, all over antioquia and have lived to tell about it. i will never underestimate the reality of the dangers out there, as i have seen them all--murder on several occassions--right in front of me. so it's not like i have some fanciful delusion about life there. hardly. i only feel blessed that i'm alive and further, that i've been able to see colombia, in her naked reality in so many places with so many people and on such an intimate basis. i pray that others of you can share this wonderment.

dwmte

CanadaMan says on May 11, 2008, 00:38:

gringoloid,

Any updates on GIB ?

Thanks,

CanadaMan

..

Formerly WidowerfromCanada...I am engaged to a wonderful Peruviana.

RAAAY says on May 11, 2008, 00:55:

dwante......." . i will never underestimate the reality of the dangers out there, as i have seen them all--murder on several occassions--right in front of me. so it's not like i have some fanciful delusion about life there. hardly. i only feel blessed that i'm alive "


You must be from the States...............??

..........................seriously............you did'nt believe all this shite..............................did you..???


.

.........Its useless to argue with ignorance

CanadaMan says on May 11, 2008, 01:14:

RAAAY,

You must be one of those GIB bashers who like to put their heads in the sand or don't like anything posted derogatory about Colombia..

You guys ran off UtopiaCowboy and GIB..

CanadaMan

..

..

Formerly WidowerfromCanada...I am engaged to a wonderful Peruviana.

RAAAY says on May 11, 2008, 01:20:

lollllllllllllllllllllllll...........................what are you smokin......??????????


.


I thought clowns were only in the circus..................


jajajajajajajjajajajaajjajajajaajajajajaj



.

.........Its useless to argue with ignorance

RAAAY says on May 11, 2008, 01:33:

Canadaman....." You guys ran off UtopiaCowboy and GIB.."


Canadaman...............I'm 13 years old, I am using my mammy's computer. Somebody " ran off " because of something I typed into my keyboard ????

.........Its useless to argue with ignorance

robi666 says on May 11, 2008, 04:07:

...LOL... a 9mm keyboard...

"I am a citizen of the most beautiful nation on earth. A nation whose laws are harsh yet simple, a nation that never cheats, which is immense and without borders, where life is lived in the present."

Lowell says on May 11, 2008, 08:16:

He's doing better each day. Good thing is that he didn't get a large dose.

Alfred E. Newman. "What. Me Worry?"

webmanco says on May 11, 2008, 08:20:

CanadaMan
You guys ran off UtopiaCowboy and GIB..

Anyone is free to stay, to take a leave or to depart. No one is chasing anyone around here.

But, I'm going to start making some assumptions here.... Which means I might actually end up making an ass out of myself ..........Thu 04 17, 2008 11:34 am

vicshere says on May 11, 2008, 08:24:

I agree with canman ...they were basically ousted from this site by a few members ...who had a bone to pick with especially GIB

listo

webmanco says on May 11, 2008, 08:26:

A few women got the "cómeme" look, a few posters got the "I am right your are wrong" stance. The biggest mistake was to take it onto Peter and moderators.

But, I'm going to start making some assumptions here.... Which means I might actually end up making an ass out of myself ..........Thu 04 17, 2008 11:34 am

CanadaMan says on May 11, 2008, 08:45:

Lowell,

That is good to hear that he is doing better..

CanadaMan

..

Formerly WidowerfromCanada...I am engaged to a wonderful Peruviana.

CanadaMan says on May 11, 2008, 12:43:

bump..

Formerly WidowerfromCanada...I am engaged to a wonderful Peruviana.

lpdiver says on May 12, 2008, 17:18:

Utopia is alive and well on this board under many of his other handles.

t

"cook some rice!"

robi666 says on May 12, 2008, 17:20:

Yes, he is.

"I am a citizen of the most beautiful nation on earth. A nation whose laws are harsh yet simple, a nation that never cheats, which is immense and without borders, where life is lived in the present."

docwilliam says on May 12, 2008, 17:31:

I do not understand all the hostilities about GIB. He was never run off, he has always been here under different handles.

"There's no time to panic"

lpdiver says on May 12, 2008, 17:34:

So here we have two very well known posters with multiple handles that the moderators know about. How will it be corrected? Hmmm?

t

"cook some rice!"