The German government has made it a crime equivalent to using a weapon if you drug someone with knock-out drops (K.o.-Tropfen) before sexually assaulting or robbing them. The minimum prison sentence for these attacks increases from three years to five years. The Cabinet approved the reform on May 13, 2026.
Why the law needed to change
A ruling by Germany’s Federal Court of Justice on October 8, 2024 created a legal gap. The court decided that K.o.-drops (Knock-out-Tropfen) do not count as a “dangerous tool” (gefährliches Werkzeug) under the German Criminal Code (Strafgesetzbuch, StGB).
That ruling meant offenders who used knock-out drugs during sexual assaults or robberies faced only the lower minimum sentence, i.e, 3 years instead of 5. The reform closes this legal gap.
What exactly changes in the law
The draft law amends two sections of the Criminal Code:
- § 177 Abs. 8 Nr. 1 StGB (sexual assault, coercion, and rape): Using any dangerous substance is now legally equivalent to using a weapon or dangerous tool.
- § 250 Abs. 2 Nr. 1 StGB (aggravated robbery): The same equivalence applies.
The change covers not only the substance commonly known as K.o.-drops but also all other dangerous substances, including poisons and other drugs that incapacitate a victim.
K.o.-drops are typically a colorless, odorless liquid. The substance acts quickly, leaving victims disoriented and memory-impaired for several hours. An overdose can cause respiratory paralysis or death.
NOTE: The law has not yet been passed. After the Cabinet decision, the Bundestag must debate and vote on the bill. The Bundesrat must then also consider it.
What should you do if you are a victim of k.o. drug
Attacks using K.o.-drops disproportionately affect women at bars, clubs, and social events.
Unfortunately, detection of k.o drops is difficult. It leaves the body within a few hours. This makes it hard to prove in court that you were drugged.
If you suspect you or someone you know has been drugged, seek emergency medical attention immediately and request a blood test before the window closes.
NOTE: The dark figure (Dunkelziffer) for K.o.-drop crimes is high. Many victims do not report attacks, partly because they cannot remember what happened. If you are a victim, contact the police as quickly as possible and ask to be tested for GHB.
Here are some precautions you should follow
- If you are at a venue and leave your drink unattended, do not continue drinking from it.
- Know the emergency number in Germany: 110 (police) or 112 (ambulance).
- If you suspect drugging, go to an emergency room immediately and tell them you may have been given GHB.
- Victims can also contact the Hilfetelefon Gewalt gegen Frauen at 08000 116 016 (free, 24/7, available in multiple languages).
