French tourist injected with drug in ‘Ativan Gang'-style robbery
Authorities are warning the public, especially tourists, about a disturbing new twist on an old robbery scheme of the 'Ativan Gang'—but this time involving an injectable substance.
According to a 24 Oras report by Jun Veneracion, a French tourist, identified only as 'Matthew,' was robbed of nearly P100,000 worth of cash and gadgets after being approached by a group who pretended to be friendly locals offering a tour of Manila.
The incident occurred on Sunday, May 25, while Matthew was walking around Makati.
The group befriended him and invited him to explore tourist spots in Manila. They ate together before boarding a taxi. That's when things took a dark turn.
"At one point, I felt an injection in my arm so they drugged me and I became completely unconscious and I have no memories," Matthew said.
When he regained consciousness, his cash and mobile phone were gone.
"Pag gising niya, wala na yung kanyang mga gamit na cellphone at cash na nagkakahalaga ng 96,000 pesos," said Southern Police District Director Police Brigadier General Joseph Arguellas.
(When he woke up, his cellphone and cash worth P96,000 were already gone.)
Police saw a resemblance in the robbery style to the MO of the notorious Ativan Gang, an old group known for dropping drugs into the food or drink of their victims and robbing them. However, injecting drugs into the victims is new.
Authorities say the shift in method may be due to increased public awareness of the old approach.
"Nabanggit nung isa sa mga babae na suspects na masyado nang gasgas yung kanilang paglagay ng gamot o kung anumang kemikal sa tubig tapos pinapainom," said Police Colonel Jean Dela Torre of the Makati police force.
(One of the female suspects said that adding drugs or chemicals to drinks had become too predictable.)
With the help of a tracking app, police were able to locate the victim's stolen phone, which led to the arrest of five suspects, including a 68-year-old woman.
The stolen phone was recovered in their possession and they will face robbery charges. — Sherylin Untalan/BM, GMA Integrated News
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