Chemical submission in cases of alleged crimes against sexual freedom 2016–2018, Lima, Peru

Abstract

IntroductionChemical submission is the use of chemical substances to manipulate the will of a person, producing incapacity or unconsciousness that facilitates criminal action. It has gained in prominence in recent years, due to its frequent use in cases of alleged crimes against sexual freedom. Materials and methodsAn observational descriptive-retrospective study of cases of alleged crimes against sexual freedom committed using chemical substances was carried out, to determine the profile of the victims according to the samples analysed and the substances detected in 2016, 2017 and 2018, registered with the Criminalistics Directorate (DIRCRI) of the Peruvian National Police (PNP). ResultsOf the 1841 cases of crime against sexual freedom, 445 (24.17% ± 2%) met the inclusion criteria. The victim's profile is that of a young (Lima) woman (mean age: 22.56 ± 1.14 years). The cases were from San Juan de Lurigancho (10.56% ± 2.9%). The samples submitted were urine (62.47% ± 4.5%), and urine and nail plaque (37.53% ± 4.5%). The toxicological analysis of probable cases showed substances identified as psychotropic drugs (57.53% ± 4.6%, mainly benzodiazepines), ethanol (26.29% ± 4.1%), and illicit drugs (11.24% ± 2.9%, mainly marijuana and cocaine), alone or in combination. ConclusionsThe study showed that 24.17% ± 2% were probable cases of Lima women who had been sexually assaulted under the influence of chemical substances, predominantly in the district of San Juan de Lurigancho at 10.56% ± 2.9%, most of the samples analysed were urine with 62.47% ± 4.5%; the most prevalent group of substances were psychotropic drugs at 57.53% ± 4.6%, with benzodiazepines being the only subgroups that were recorded.