If you're reading this because you think you've been drugged, or you just woke up and something is very wrong — you're not alone, and there are immediate steps you can take.
Scopolamine drugging is frighteningly common in Colombia. The good news is that the drug itself usually isn't life-threatening in the doses used for robbery, and there's a clear path to recovery. Here's what to do.
Immediate Steps (First 30 Minutes)
1. Get to Safety
If you're still in a compromised situation — with the person who drugged you, or in an unfamiliar place — get away. Go to any open business, hotel lobby, or busy street. Ask anyone for help. Say: "Necesito ayuda, me drogaron" (I need help, I was drugged).
2. Call Emergency Services
Dial 123 from any phone in Colombia. This connects to the national emergency line (police, ambulance, fire). Tell them:
- Your location (use Google Maps if disoriented)
- That you suspect scopolamine drugging
- If you need medical assistance
3. Get to a Hospital
Even if you feel "okay," go to a hospital. Scopolamine in high doses can cause cardiac issues, respiratory problems, and dangerous dehydration. Tell the medical staff: "Creo que me dieron escopolamina" (I think I was given scopolamine).
Recommended hospitals:
- Medellin: Hospital Pablo Tobon Uribe, Clinica Las Americas
- Bogota: Fundacion Santa Fe, Clinica del Country
- Cartagena: Hospital Universitario del Caribe
- Cali: Fundacion Valle del Lili
4. Don't Shower or Change Clothes
If there's any possibility of sexual assault, do NOT shower, change clothes, or wash your hands. Medical staff can collect forensic evidence that may be crucial for prosecution.
Within the First Few Hours
5. Contact Your Embassy
Your embassy can provide:
- Emergency assistance and guidance
- Help communicating with local police and hospitals
- Emergency financial assistance if your money was stolen
- Replacement travel documents if your passport was taken
Embassy emergency numbers:
| U.S. Embassy Bogota | (601) 275-2000 |
| British Embassy | (601) 326-8300 |
| Canadian Embassy | (601) 657-9800 |
| Australian Embassy | (601) 657-7800 |
| Israeli Embassy | (601) 327-7500 |
| German Embassy | (601) 423-2600 |
6. File a Police Report
Go to the nearest CAI (Centro de Atencion Inmediata) or police station. You can also file a report at the Fiscalia General de la Nacion (Attorney General's office). Request a translator if needed — your embassy can help arrange this.
The report is important even if you think nothing will happen because:
- It creates an official record that helps track criminal patterns
- It's needed for insurance claims
- It may be needed for replacement documents
- It helps build cases against repeat offenders
7. Freeze Your Financial Accounts
Call your bank and credit card companies immediately to:
- Freeze all cards
- Report unauthorized transactions (these are often reversible if reported quickly)
- Set up new cards for emergency delivery
- Check for unauthorized wire transfers
Also check: PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, cryptocurrency apps, and any other financial apps on your phone.
8. Secure Your Digital Accounts
If your phone was accessed while you were drugged:
- Change passwords for email, banking, and social media from another device
- Enable two-factor authentication on everything
- Check for unfamiliar sent messages or transactions
- Use "Find My Device" to remotely lock or wipe a stolen phone
Recovery (Days to Weeks)
9. Physical Recovery
Scopolamine's effects typically clear within 24-72 hours, but you may experience:
- Memory gaps — you may never recover memories from the period under influence. This is normal.
- Confusion and brain fog — can last several days
- Headaches and dry mouth
- Anxiety and paranoia — very common in the aftermath
- Sleep disturbances
Stay hydrated, rest, and be patient with yourself. If symptoms persist beyond a week, see a doctor.
10. Mental Health
Being drugged and robbed is a traumatic experience. It's normal to feel:
- Shame or embarrassment (you shouldn't — this happens to thousands of people)
- Anger
- Fear or hypervigilance
- Difficulty trusting people
Consider speaking with a mental health professional. Many therapists offer online sessions that can be accessed from anywhere.
11. Help Protect Others
Once you're ready, consider:
- Reporting to GringosUp — if you have any photos, names, or details about the perpetrator, adding them to our database helps protect future travelers
- Sharing your story (anonymously if preferred) — awareness is the best prevention
- Reporting to the dating app where you met the person
Prevention for Next Time
Don't let this experience scare you away from Colombia entirely. But do take stronger precautions going forward:
- Always check someone on GringosUp before meeting them
- Read our Dating Safety Guide for comprehensive red flags
- Never invite someone to your accommodation on a first meeting
- Always watch your drinks
You were targeted by criminals who do this professionally. It's not your fault. Take care of yourself, report what happened, and help us prevent the next incident.