Germany to impose tougher penalties on use of 'knockout drops'

The German government is set to impose tougher penalties for the use of knockout drops, also known as date-rape drugs. 

Chancellor Friedrich Merz's Cabinet approved a draft law that says anyone who uses the chemicals to commit rape or robbery will face a minimum of five years' imprisonment. The bill still requires approval in the German parliament. 

There are no national police statistics on the use of substances intended to render the victim defenceless prior to a sexual assault. 

In most cases, it is believed that the drugs are administered surreptitiously in a bar or a club. However, there are also cases in which rape victims have been drugged by a visitor in their own home.

“This is a particularly egregious form of sexual violence – and it affects women in particular,” said Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig on Wednesday. 

Rape involving the use of knockout drops is “particularly malicious and dangerous,” she added. 

The minister describes the planned reform as part of the German government’s overall strategy to improve protection against violence.

The Gisèle Pelicot case in France has shed light on the use of knockout drops in rape cases. The phenomenon is known in France as chemical submission.