From urban myth to reality

Many people believe that the use of burundanga in robberies and rapes is a myth imported from South America, an excuse used by those who had done something they later regretted, after a few too many drinks.

Some victims have complained about the incredulity and scepticism with which they were treated when they reported their ordeal.

The first person to raise the alarm, six years ago, was José Manuel Burgos, of the IML in Malaga. At that time he said he had seen about 20 suspicious cases, and he called for hospitals to establish special protocols. Time has proven him right, and has shown that what appeared to be a myth is in fact reality.