Iowa legislators will debate a stronger penalty for users and handlers of date-rape drugs and the reinstatement of funds for victims of sexual and domestic abuse in the coming weeks. If passed, the bill would make manufacturing, delivering, possessing or conspiring to manufacture, deliver or possess fluitrazepam, commonly known as rohypnol, a class D felony. Currently, it is considered an aggravated misdemeanor to use or handle the drug. The bill passed out of the House Public Safety Committee unanimously on Feb. 18. The House of Representatives is scheduled to debate increasing the penalty on Monday, said Rep. Lisa Heddens, D-Ames. [continues 375 words]
'I've got the best stuff,"said a fast-talking man who invited two young women to sit with him at a banquette on the balcony of Chaos, the East Houston Street hot spot. He said an eight-ball -slang for 3.5 grams of cocaine - would cost $120. "I treat my customers well," he said, taking out a tightly rolled foil package and offering two small clumps of white powder to taste in plain view of two bouncers. When the women rose to leave, refusing to go through with the sale, the dealer grabbed one by the arm and pulled her back onto the couch, entreating, "Why don't you want to buy from me?" [continues 1838 words]
