Hong Kong Scientists Test Toys for 'Date Rape' Drug - KFVS12 News & Weather Cape Girardeau, Carbondale, Poplar Bluff

Hong Kong Scientists Test Toys for 'Date Rape' Drug

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Hong Kong Scientists Test Toys for 'Date Rape' Drug
By: Associated Press

HONG KONG (AP) - Officials in Hong Kong are testing Chinese-made toys for a chemical that turns into a powerful "date rape" drug when ingested.

At least five children, two in the U.S. and three in Australia, had to be hospitalized after swallowing the toy beads, which are used in arts and crafts projects.

Australian scientists say a chemical coating on the beads metabolizes into the so-called "date rape" drug and can cause seizures, coma and death.

One mother says her toddler fell into a six-hour coma after swallowing some Aqua Dots. A doctor says the boy then went from being completely asleep to wide awake and playing like nothing ever happened in a matter of minutes.

A customs official says if the tests come back positive for the chemical, suppliers of the toy in Hong Kong could face a year in jail and fines of nearly $13,000.