The police warned of the ‘changing’ nature of spiking in London, including the use of ‘over-the-counter medicines’
Predators are increasingly using prescription and over-the-counter medicines alongside drug-laced vapes to spike victims, according to the Metropolitan Police.
Investigators have encountered incidents involving vapes containing THC, the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, and the drug spice, as well as elevated doses of common medications such as antihistamines and travel sickness tablets that induce drowsiness.
The force has also noted a growing trend of incidents occurring at private parties in flats or houses, rather than traditional venues like bars and clubs. Over the past year, more than 2,700 spiking-related offences were logged with the Met, with just 131 resulting in a charge, caution or summons, though this represented a 20 per cent rise compared to the previous year. Over half of those targeted were aged between 18 and 35.
Spiking investigations present significant challenges as the drugs metabolise quickly, prompting police to urge victims to report incidents as soon as possible.
Self-testing kits available online would also fail to identify numerous over-the-counter medicines or prescription medications, the Met warned, making quick reporting all the more essential.
Detective Superintendent Dan Thompson, the Met’s spiking lead, said: “The nature of spiking is changing. We’re seeing offenders use a wider range of substances than ever before, including everyday medications and substances added to vapes, while increasingly targeting victims in private settings such as homes, parties and student accommodation.”
He added: “Many of the substances now being used leave a narrow forensic window, which is why reporting as quickly as possible is so important. Reporting within the first 12 hours allows us to secure CCTV, obtain forensic evidence, identify witnesses and make arrests. Nobody should hesitate to come forward. Even if some time has passed, we still want to hear from you.”
Two prolific sex offenders were jailed last year following separate Met investigations after being convicted of targeting multiple women at their flats.
Rapist Chao Xu, 34, would give guests a drink he called “the spring of life”, which he had laced with substances including GHB and scopolamine, a travel sickness medicine.
He received a life sentence in November 2025 for 24 sexual offences committed over three years including rape, assault by penetration, sexual assault, upskirting and voyeurism.
The second perpetrator was Chinese PhD student Zhenhao Zou, 29, who also received a life sentence for drugging and raping 10 women in London and China.
He kept a trophy box of women’s belongings and filmed nine of the attacks, with jury members in the trial required to view the harrowing footage.
Awareness campaigns are being held throughout Freshers’ Week at numerous universities across London.
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