May 11th 2024.
Attention partygoers! Be cautious when sharing your vapes with strangers. It seems sexual predators have found a new way to harm unsuspecting victims at bars and clubs by spiking e-cigarettes with drugs. This warning comes after reports of vapes being laced with synthetic cannabis, also known as "Spice," and high levels of THC. Spice is a dangerous drug that can cause incapacitation, hallucinations, seizures, and even death due to its toxic chemical composition. The Metropolitan Police has seen an increase in illegal drugs in vapes and has even encountered some that were spiked.
According to reports, over 100 different substances have been detected in urine tests provided by victims since 2021. These substances include both illegal and prescription drugs, making the situation even more alarming. What's even scarier is that these poisoned vapes look identical to normal ones, making it nearly impossible to distinguish between the two. Other commonly used drugs to spike drinks include Rohypnol, GHB, and GBL, which can leave victims vulnerable and with no memory of what happened. These drugs leave the body quickly, making it difficult to prove that a spiking incident occurred.
In an effort to combat this issue, the Metropolitan Police has advised partygoers against taking a puff from a stranger's vape. They warn that predators often carry out "hostile reconnaissance" before spiking or sexually assaulting their victims, similar to how terrorists plan an attack. Undercover officers have been working to spot these predators in London's nightlife scene. The police have also revealed that 65% of spiking incidents occur between 6pm and 6am, with women being targeted in 60% of the cases. The highest number of reports came from Westminster.
In recent news, a broadcaster named Kate McCann shared her experience of being spiked while out with colleagues. She described feeling "out of her body" and having no memory of how she got home. In another incident, a man was arrested after tampering with a drink in central London. Thanks to awareness training received from the police, the staff at the venue were able to cover the victim's drink and call the police immediately. While the suspect was arrested and charged, spiking is a complex crime to investigate and often lacks sufficient evidence to bring offenders to justice.
Detective Chief Superintendent Angela Craggs stated that everyone deserves to feel safe while enjoying a night out in London. The police are determined to do everything possible to protect people from harm. In the unfortunate event that someone is spiked, there are some signs to look out for, including confusion, nausea/vomiting, hallucinations, and disorientation. If you or a friend experience these symptoms, you should alert a member of staff and call 999 in an emergency. It's also important to report the incident to the police right away.
The Metropolitan Police is working with experts and nightlife establishments to prevent spiking in the capital. They have trained over 850 venues last year to help staff identify and handle predatory behavior. Karen Tyrell, CEO of the charity Drinkaware, emphasized that drink spiking is a serious crime that can happen to anyone at any time. Their data shows that men are just as likely to be victims as women. Karen also stressed the importance of collective responsibility in ensuring public spaces are safe, not just placing the burden on potential victims. It's encouraging to see different sectors coming together to collaborate and address this issue effectively.
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