UC Santa Cruz students report party druggings

(11-13) 17:25 PST SAN FRANCISCO -- Three female students at UC Santa Cruz have told police this month that their drinks were spiked with drugs at parties, and one of them said she was sexually assaulted, university police said.

Police are investigating the reports and on Tuesday sent out a campus-wide bulletin warning students to be cautious at bars and parties.

The victims told authorities that they suspected their drinks were drugged because they become highly intoxicated and nauseous in a short amount of time, said UC Santa Cruz Police Chief Nader Oweis. Police are not sure which drugs were used.

"We're hoping people understand this is a very serious type of thing to do, that we take it seriously, and that we won't tolerate this type of behavior from anybody," Oweis said.

Oweis said that those who think they have been drugged should seek immediate medical attention, call 911 or ask a friend to take them to the nearest medical-care facility. Individuals can react to drugs in unpredictable ways, and sometimes the toxicants are fatal, he said.

Partygoers should keep in mind that many drugs are colorless, odorless and flavorless, and they should make sure to watch what's being poured for them or pour drinks themselves, Oweis said.

"People need to be good bystanders and need to intervene when it's appropriate to do so," he said.

Students who believe their drinks may have been spiked are encouraged to contact UC Santa Cruz police at (831) 459-2231 or the city of Santa Cruz police at (831) 420-5800.