December 12th 2023.
Parents and schools have been warned of the potential dangers associated with illicit vapes after three children collapsed and one was hospitalized after using them. It is believed that the vapes, which were distributed in Gwent, Wales, were laced with Class B drugs, leading to the arrest of a 12-year-old.
In response, schools in Monmouthshire, Newport, Torfaen, Blaenau Gwent, and Caerphilly were sent a warning and advice on how to address students who may have smoked illegal substances. The warning reads: “We have had two separate cases involving three children who have used a vape and become unwell. It is thought the vape may contain an illicit drug or toxin as when inhaled the children have become unwell and collapsed. Please be cautious of similar reported cases, treating symptoms as required, reporting cases to the police and social services.”
Class B drugs include amphetamines, barbiturates, cannabis, codeine, gamma hydroxybutyrate, gamma-butyrolactone, ketamine, methylphenidate, synthetic cannabinoids, and synthetic cathinones. With 6,700 reported cases of spiking in the first half of 2023 alone, vapes have become the latest target for those looking to spike unsuspecting victims with drugs.
Helena Conibear, Chief Executive of the Alcohol Education Trust, has said, “We have heard of people unknowingly using vapes which contain THC or spice in them. Very little is known about vape spiking as it is a new phenomenon. We are very much in the dark about how it operates.” Last year, several victims of spiking shared their traumatic experiences, calling for further action to be taken.
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