Kortrijk (Brussels Morning Newspaper): Eleven women have come forward claiming they were drugged in the Reynaertstraat nightlife district of Kortrijk after consuming almond-flavored shots. Four suspects have been arrested, and Lawyer Jan Leysen is offering support to the victims. Meanwhile, local café owner Dieter De Clercq is taking steps to ensure the safety of his patrons.
The women reported similar experiences, stating they were offered almond-flavored shots, followed by blackouts. Upon regaining consciousness the next day, they suffered from severe headaches, nausea, and memory loss. Many also discovered bruises and signs of potential assault. Medical tests revealed the presence of ketamine, a drug known to cause memory loss when used in high doses. Authorities believe there may be additional victims and have launched further investigations.
Impact on Victims and Local Businesses
Jan Leysen, who is representing three of the victims, emphasizes that although the women do not know each other, they take comfort in knowing they are not alone in their experiences. He reassures them that they bear no blame for the incidents, placing full responsibility on the perpetrators. The public prosecutor’s office is looking into the possibility that this is not the work of an organized group but rather a concerning trend of isolated incidents. In light of the investigation, four suspects have been detained.
Café 56 owner Dieter De Clercq expressed his dismay at the situation, noting that while he had heard warnings, he was unaware of the full extent of the problem. He described the incidents as unfortunate for the entire Reynaertstraat area and stressed his commitment to protecting customers. De Clercq is now training his staff to recognize and address unsafe situations and has posted information inside the café to guide customers on what to do if they feel uncomfortable. Despite not personally witnessing any suspicious activity, he is taking extra precautions to ensure a safe environment for patrons.
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