A New Jersey woman has been charged with allegedly poisoning an acquaintance's tea during a restaurant meeting about suspicious financial transactions. The victim reportedly collapsed after drinking some of the tea and was hospitalised for several days.

Rohweniven Bacani, 52, of Hackensack, was charged with third-degree aggravated assault following an investigation by the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office and the Leonia Police Department, according to authorities.

Investigators said the incident occurred on 8 September 2026, when the victim met Bacani at a restaurant in Fort Lee to discuss unauthorised transactions involving financial accounts to which Bacani reportedly had shared access.

According to information released by Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella, Bacani arrived before the victim and had a cup of tea waiting for her. After drinking some of it, the woman reportedly noticed an unusual taste and stopped. She later collapsed while leaving the restaurant and regained consciousness in hospital, with no recollection of how she had arrived there.

Authorities alleged that the tea had been laced with a benzodiazepine, a class of medication that affects the central nervous system. Bacani was arrested outside her Hackensack residence on 15 October and was being held at Bergen County Jail pending her first court appearance.

How Benzodiazepines Affect the Body

Benzodiazepines are prescription medicines commonly used to treat conditions such as anxiety and certain seizure disorders. Some are also prescribed for muscle spasms or sleep-related problems. They work by enhancing the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical messenger that reduces activity in the central nervous system.

Depending on the specific medication and dose, these drugs can cause drowsiness, dizziness, slowed reactions, impaired coordination and confusion. At higher exposures, they can lead to profound sedation and unconsciousness.

The effects vary according to the substance, the amount consumed, a person's health and whether other drugs or alcohol are involved. Combining benzodiazepines with alcohol, opioids or other sedating substances can increase the risk of severe central nervous system depression and potentially dangerous breathing problems.

In Bacani's case, authorities alleged that the victim's tea contained a benzodiazepine. The publicly reported information does not specify the exact drug or amount involved, so the precise mechanism and severity of the exposure cannot be independently established from the available details.

Why Unexplained Collapse Requires Emergency Care

Sudden collapse after consuming a drink can have several possible causes, including poisoning, a medication reaction, a seizure, a heart rhythm problem or another acute medical condition. The circumstances alone cannot determine which explanation is responsible.

However, unexplained loss of consciousness is a medical emergency. Sedative poisoning may cause a person to become increasingly drowsy, confused or uncoordinated. In severe cases, breathing can become slow or inadequate, and the person may become unresponsive.

Someone who collapses after suspected exposure to an unknown substance needs urgent medical assessment, even if they regain consciousness. Symptoms can vary, and the absence of immediate severe effects does not rule out a dangerous exposure.

Medical teams may assess breathing, circulation, blood pressure and consciousness, alongside blood or urine tests and other investigations when indicated. Treatment depends on the substance involved and the patient's condition. Severe poisoning may require close monitoring, supportive care or assistance with breathing.

Anyone who suspects that a drink has been tampered with should stop consuming it and seek help if symptoms develop. If someone becomes unconscious, has difficulty breathing or cannot be awakened, emergency services should be contacted immediately. They should not be made to vomit or given food, drink or medication unless directed by a medical professional.

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The Risks of Drugging Someone Without Their Knowledge

Consuming a sedative without knowing it can leave a person unable to respond normally to their surroundings. Impaired coordination, confusion and reduced consciousness can increase the risk of falls, injuries and vulnerability to further harm.

The medical consequences depend on the substance and exposure. Although benzodiazepines are used therapeutically under medical supervision, taking them without a prescription or receiving an unknown dose can be dangerous. The risk can be greater when the substance is combined with alcohol or other sedatives.

Suspected drug-facilitated poisoning can also complicate the process of determining what happened. Healthcare professionals may need to document symptoms, establish a timeline and conduct appropriate testing. The substances involved and the timing of sample collection can affect what testing reveals.

Anyone who believes they have been drugged should seek medical care promptly and explain what they remember consuming, when symptoms began and whether other substances may have been involved. If a drink is suspected of being tampered with, preserving it when safe to do so may also assist an investigation.

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