Question 1

What is the "Scopolamine Drugging (Burundanga)" scam in Cali?

Accepted Answer

Scopolamine, known locally as burundanga, is used in Cali to incapacitate victims who are then robbed, forced to withdraw cash from ATMs, or assaulted. The drug is colourless and odourless and can be slipped into drinks, food, or applied to skin through physical contact. Victims have no memory of events while incapacitated. This is a documented, recurring danger in the city nightlife zone, not a rare occurrence. Do not accept drinks, food, cigarettes, or any consumable from strangers. Be cautious of anyone being overly friendly or insistent. Avoid leaving drinks unattended at bars. If you feel suddenly confused or unable to make decisions, alert a trusted person immediately.

Question 2

What is the "Honey Trap Robbery" scam in Cali?

Accepted Answer

In Cali bars and clubs, attractive individuals make contact with tourists, develop conversation and trust over the evening, and then invite them back to a private location. At the destination, accomplices are waiting and the victim is robbed at gunpoint or knifepoint. In some cases scopolamine is also used to incapacitate the victim before robbery. Never go to a private location with someone you just met in a Cali bar or club, regardless of how trustworthy they seem. Share your location with someone you trust before going anywhere. Be especially cautious if someone you met recently is unusually insistent about leaving the venue together.

Question 3

What is the "Drink Spike and Robbery at Bars" scam in Cali?

Accepted Answer

Beyond scopolamine, straightforward drink spiking with sedatives occurs at tourist-frequented bars in Barrio Granada. Victims who are unable to walk unassisted are escorted out by fake friends and robbed in the street or in waiting vehicles. Staff at some venues are complicit. Order drinks directly from bar staff and watch them being prepared. Never accept a drink that was already poured when it was handed to you. Leave with the same people you arrived with. If a companion becomes suddenly incapacitated, do not accept assistance from strangers and call an app-based taxi immediately.

Other Tourist Scams in Cali

Scopolamine Drugging (Burundanga)

Honey Trap Robbery

Drink Spike and Robbery at Bars

Experienced a scam here?