Sexual predators have found a new way to spike victims in bars and clubs using e-cigarettes laced with drugs.
Partygoers are warned about a rise in dangerous vapes used by predators to drug unassuming people enjoying a night out.
It comes after some e-cigarettes were found laced with synthetic cannabis ‘Spice’ and high levels of THC, the Standard reports.
Spice is called ‘zombie drug’ as it can make victims incapacitated, cause strong hallucinations, seizures and even death due to the toxic mix of chemicals.
The Met said it has seen an increase in illegal drugs in vapes in recent months and some vapes being spiked.
More than 100 different substances, both illegal and prescription, have been detected in almost 1,500 urine tests provided by victims since 2021, the outlet reports.
Other drugs used to spike drinks include Rohypnol, GHB and GBL, which can leave victims vulnerable and with memory loss of what happened. They leave the body quickly, which makes it harder to prove what happened.
The Standard joined undercover officers to spot predators in London nightlife.
Suspects are known to carry out ‘hostile reconnaissance’ before spiking or sexual assault – in the same way as terrorists when scouting a target, it reports.
Now the Met has advised revellers against taking a puff from a stranger’s vape as poisoned devices cannot be distinguished from normal ones.
New figures from the force show 65% of spiking incidents happened between 6pm and 6am.
Women were targeted in 60% of the cases, with Westminster having the highest number of reports.
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Broadcaster Kate McCann revealed in February she was spiked while out with colleagues, leaving her feeling ‘out of her body’ and with memory loss of how she got home.
A man was recently arrested after a drink was tampered with in central London.
Staff at the venue managed to cover the victim’s drink and call the police straight away thanks to awareness training they had received from the police.
While the suspect was arrested on the spot and later charged, spiking is a ‘complex offence’ to investigate, often with limited evidence to bring offenders to justice, the force said.
Detective Chief Superintendent Angela Craggs said: ‘Anyone enjoying a night out in London deserves to be safe and we’re determined to do everything we can protect the people from harm.
Partygoers have been warned to not leave their friends alone on a night out.
If you think you or a friend have been spiked, there are some signs to look out for and to get help.
Symptoms include:
You should alert a member of staff and call 999 in an emergency.
Victims and those who know anyone who was spiked should report it to the police straightaway.
‘Spiking is a premediated and invasive crime and we are doing more to target predatory and dangerous offenders.’
The forces is working with experts and nightlife bosses to stop spiking in the capital, including training more than 850 venues last year to help staff spot predatory behaviour.
Karen Tyrell, CEO of the charity Drinkaware said: that ‘drink spiking is a serious crime that can happen to anyone at any time.’
Its figures reveal that men are as likely to be victims as women, she said.
Karen added: ‘Ensuring public spaces are safe is a collective responsibility, including the police and venues, not one that should only be placed on the potential victims, so it is heartening to see different sectors coming together to collaborate more effectively.’
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