Suits and Scandal: Women Claim They Were Drugged on Popular South Florida River Cruise
A Girls’ Trip Turns into a Nightmare
Two women, Karren Hanson and Teresa Viscovich, are suing Jungle Queen Riverboats after alleging they were drugged on a river cruise in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The incident has left them with long-lasting consequences, including memory loss, anxiety, and a sense of mistrust.
A Night to Forget
Hanson and Viscovich, longtime friends, boarded the Jungle Queen Riverboat expecting a fun-filled girls’ trip. However, their experience took a dark turn just 15 minutes after boarding. They claim that their drinks were spiked with a date rape drug, leaving them disoriented and helpless.
A Fuzzy Memory
Viscovich recalled, "Within 15 minutes. My speech was slurred. I couldn’t walk right." The women were confused and worried, but one thing was clear: something was wrong.
A Police Investigation
The next day, they contacted the police, who launched an investigation. According to the police report, the women were "concerned that their bartender…drugged their drinks." The report also stated that the bartender was trying to meet up with them after the cruise. However, the investigation yielded no video evidence and no proof of who might have drugged their drinks. The case was closed.
The Unsettling Aftermath
Despite the police’s findings, the women’s hair tests showed positive for GHB, a drug known as a date rape drug. Viscovich, a former nurse, was forced to give up her license due to memory issues. "My vision doesn’t line up anymore. Now, it’s like this," she said.
Hanson, too, suffers from severe anxiety, which has significantly impacted her social life. "I don’t do a lot of social situations that I used to do because they don’t feel safe anymore," she said.
A Lawsuit and a Response
The women are now suing Jungle Queen Riverboats for failing to prevent the drugging and for their alleged negligence. The company has responded, stating that they take the allegations "very seriously" and that they have conducted a thorough investigation, concluding that there is no evidence to support the claims.
Conclusion
The case is moving forward, and the women continue to recover from that fateful night. Their lawsuit against Jungle Queen Riverboats aims to hold the company accountable for their alleged negligence and to ensure that other passengers do not suffer the same fate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is GHB, and how does it affect the body?
A: GHB, also known as gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, is a central nervous system depressant. It can cause impaired memory, judgment, and coordination.
Q: What are the long-term effects of GHB exposure?
A: The long-term effects of GHB exposure can include memory loss, anxiety, and depression.
Q: Can GHB be detected in hair samples?
A: Yes, GHB can be detected in hair samples, which can provide evidence of exposure.
Q: What is the legal status of GHB in the United States?
A: GHB is a Schedule I controlled substance, meaning it is illegal to manufacture, distribute, or possess it without a valid prescription.
