Clubbers warned: watch your drink Concern over use of 'date rape' drug in nightspots Brendan Montague Thursday October 31, 2002 The Lincolnshire Echo NIGHTCLUB managers and police are warning revellers to be on their guard after a spate of spiked drink attacks. Concern is growing over a drug known as GHB which leaves victims drowsy, confused and in some instances, comatose. At least one teenager ended up in hospital after her drink was spiked in a Lincoln club. And today other young revellers have spoken of the threat. GHB has been dubbed the 'date rape drug' because its effects leave people vulnerable. Student nurse Amy Cash (18) from Lincoln was taken to hospital after she collapsed at Jumpin' Jaks club in Silver Street during a night out. She was told by nursing staff that her symptoms suggested she had been poisoned by the GHB drug. She said: "After I had some of the drink I had a really bad head rush. Then, I was told later, I just passed out. I knew what was going on at the time but I could not move any of my body. My friends called an ambulance and I was taken to hospital. "I'm very angry because at the time I was really scared. I was crying my eyes out and telling people not to leave me. "When I next went out I was just looking around and was really anxious, it could have been anybody, they could be standing there looking at me." She has warned others to be extra careful with drinks. Concerned manager of the Po Na Na nightclub in the High Street, Richard Wycherley has also had his own drink spiked while out in the city. "I want people to be aware that they must not leave their drinks unattended," he said. "People who spike drinks may be doing it for fun, but GHB is also the original date rape drug and they are sick as far as I am concerned. One of my main concerns is that I do not want this in my club." A spokesman for Jumpin' Jaks said: "We were most concerned to hear that a customer felt unwell during a visit. "Management were fully aware that a woman thought her drink could have been spiked. We offered her and her friends all the assistance we could. "Our door stewards, management and staff have received extra training in light of this." At Brayford nightspot Bar Med, general manager Simon Poole said the drug is becoming well known. "There is concern about the drug, which is widely used throughout the country," he said. "There is a worry that it is now on the increase in Lincoln. "This is a horrible drug. It's one of the worst drugs because of the total unawareness of the person concerned. Whoever uses this has a clear intention." Lincolnshire Police Inspector Dick Holmes said people should be vigilant. "Lincolnshire does tend to reflect national trends. No doubt it is also on the rise in this county. Once you have got a drink you must not let it out of your sight. People must be aware these things can happen."