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Robbed in Boquete
21:30 May 4 2013 Boquete, Panama
Description
I was at La Cabana on Saturday night, and had some cocktails, then became aware while running and hiding in the woods.I was without shoes, wallet, passport, belt, and phone.
I know of 2 similar stories from fellow expats around the Boquete and Volcancito area at night.
One doctor from the US believed he was picked up by police while walking home and driven out the the jungle and stripped of everything, another was held at knife point by 3 people while walking home.
I wanted to post this as a warning for people walking or taking taxis at night.
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Comments
Don Williams (May 8 2013)
Comment received on Chiriquí Chatter.
The two incidents sound like scopalomine attacks. Scopalomine is a derivative of one or a combo of the nightshade plants and comes in a powder form that can be inhaled or ingested in a drink. As noted above, it can be used as a date rape drug, but it's more commonly used by unscrupulous types in bars who put it drinks or by taxi drivers who can suddenly turn around and blow it in your face. This stuff has been used since the 90's ( and probably before) in Bogota and Quito and the U.S. Embassies in both countries regularly warn American citizens to be wary of this stuff especially at night. Sounds to me like it's arrived in Chiriqui, unfortunately, and yeah, the Embassy should be advised of these incidents..,
Scott (May 9 2013)
I wanted to post an update that I received some great comments on Chiriqui Chatter blog about who I should speak with for assistance. I contacted the Alto Al Crimen site and was met by a very nice lady and went with me to the correct place and file a report today in Boquete.
Thank you to all.
Scott
John Taylor (May 14 2013)
Scopalomine is not new to Boquete. It has been used here before. I know of people in Boquete who have had there home robbed and slept through the entire event, dogs and all. A couple of years ago a number of homes in Portrillos were robbed this way.
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