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Authorities Break Up "Date Rape Drug" Ring

By Dylan Hall

Buffalo, NY – U.S. and Canadian officials Thursday announced the successful break-up of a large international drug ring.

The work of local law enforcement officials led to the arrests of three Canadian-nationals who sold date-rape drugs to Americans and Canadians over the Internet. One of them, Daniel Pelchat, 40, is believed to be the largest supplier of date-rape drugs in the world.

John Bryfonski, assistant special agent in charge of the DEA in upstate New York, said this bust will have significant impact.

Date rape drug has been prolific here in the United States and has caused continuous heartache and problems for families all across the united state and in Canada, Bryfonski said.

Authorities say these drugs cause drowsiness, dizziness, and loss of consciousness and memory.

In addition to the charges lodged against the three alleged suppliers, they say several Buffalo area residents were arrested for purchasing the illicit drugs.

Nationwide, more than 100 arrests have been made.