Scopolamine and Tinder: a dangerous scam targeting young people in Cuenca

A troubling incident in Cuenca highlights the risks of online dating apps like Tinder. A local young man, Pedro Tenorio, shared his experience of being drugged, assaulted, and robbed after meeting someone through the app. His story sheds light on a growing trend involving scopolamine, a powerful drug used to incapacitate victims.

The incident

On November 29, Tenorio arranged to meet a woman he had been chatting with on Tinder. The meeting took place at a mall in Cuenca, but he quickly noticed discrepancies. "Her appearance didn’t match her photos," Tenorio said, admitting he ignored this red flag.

After a brief conversation, the woman insisted they go to a park instead of a restaurant or bar. While there, a man claiming to be her brother arrived in a black car. The pair offered Tenorio a drink, and shortly after consuming it, he lost consciousness.

The aftermath

Tenorio woke up hours later, injured and disoriented. A taxi driver found him walking along a street in Cuenca, bloodied and crying. He had been beaten and robbed of his laptop, phone, wallet, and $500 in cash, including his recent paycheck.

Growing Concerns

This incident isn’t isolated. Similar cases have been reported in Cuenca and other regions. Scopolamine, often referred to as "devil’s breath," is commonly used in such scams in Colombia and is now appearing in Ecuador. Mixed with alcohol, the drug can erase memory and render victims compliant, making them easy targets.

Safety Measures

Authorities and experts urge both locals and tourists to exercise caution when meeting strangers from dating apps:

• Verify profiles carefully: Even verified accounts can be fake due to advanced AI technologies.

• Meet in public places: Avoid isolated locations or private areas.

• Avoid accepting drinks: Only consume drinks you’ve seen prepared.

Tenorio's case has caught the attention of the provincial governor, Santiago Malo, who pledged to address the issue. Meanwhile, Tenorio continues to recover from both physical injuries, including a fractured nose, and the emotional toll of the attack.

Source: Primicias.