On Friday, October 28, 2011, I interviewed two middle aged ladies who seemed to have had some type of drug or other substance slipped into their drinks while at a dance in Taos County this fall. Each of these ladies also told me of several additional women who had the same experience at the same dance. None of these victims made a police report and they were not at the dance together. Also, they were not injured (other then the effects of the drug) or physically attacked by anyone.

These are the first cases of women's drinks being tampered with that I have heard of in nearly a year. While this is a good thing, it does mean that there are still those in our community who appear to think that it is funny to make other people ill for their own amusement!

While I understand that someone might not want to file an official police report when something like this happens to them, you need to understand that if it is not reported it did not happen and there is very little that law enforcement can do to stop this person or persons.

Since January of 2010 I have interviewed at least 24 ladies who have had this experience. Only two or three asked for a police report. I continue to be available to anyone who would care to talk to me about a similar incident, whether or not you want to file an official police report. I will continue to treat all such conversations confidentially! From each such conversation I learn a little more and often find another piece of the puzzle.

Until the person or persons involved in this activity are apprehended and prosecuted, and they will be, I make the following suggestions;

1. Don't go out alone.
2. Watch out for your friends and other ladies around you.
3. Keep your eye on your beverage.
4. Don't accept drinks from strangers unless you watch it being prepared
and served to you.
5. Don't leave your drink on the bar or table when you go to dance or to
the restroom. Finish your drink before you leave and/or order
a fresh one upon returning.
6. Know your bar, your bartender and those serving you.
7. Remember, you are not safe just because you are not drinking alcohol!
Recent conversations that I have had indicate that the drug
or other substance was added to a non-alcoholic beverage.
8. Last but not least, "SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING"!

I can be contacted through Taos County Crime Stoppers by email from our website, just click the "Give a Tip" button or you can call the Taos Police Department at 575-758-2216 (or 2217) 24/7 and leave a message for Detective Barry Holfelder and I will call you back.

Taos Police Department Case # I11000096
Location: Friday Motors, 1040 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos
Date/Time of Occurrence: Between 6:00 PM on 9/14/11 and 8:00 AM on 9/15/11
Crime: Criminal Damage to Property
Amount of Loss: Over $225.00
Loss: The Rear Window of a Marked Taos Police Patrol Car was Broken Out.
Suspects: None
Information Sought: Any Information leading to arrest and conviction of perpetrator(s)
Amount of Reward Requested: Standard Reward.

The marked Taos Police Car was left outside in the service area of Friday Motors overnight. On the morning of Thursday, September 15th, it was discovered that a person or persons unknown broke out the rear window of this Chevrolet Impala (Taos Police Car).

Submitted: 20110916