Police say ‘act quickly’ as they release details of where attacks are happening and who is targeted
Predators are increasingly using prescription and over-the-counter medications as well as drug-laced vapes to spike victims, the Metropolitan Police has said. Detectives have seen cases with vapes that contain THC, the main psychoactive chemical in cannabis, and the drug spice, as well as the use of high doses of everyday medication such as antihistamines and travel sickness pills that cause drowsiness.
There is also an increasing number of cases at private parties in flats or houses, rather than bars and clubs, the force said. In the past year, more than 2,700 spiking-related offences were reported to the Met, of which just 131 led to a charge, caution or summons, although this was an increase of 20% on the previous year.
More than half the victims were aged 18 to 35. Spiking cases are complex to investigate because the drugs are rapidly metabolised, and police encourage victims to report the crime quickly.
Self-testing kits sold online would also not detect many over-the-counter medicines or prescription drugs, the Met said, making reporting the crime even more crucial. 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. 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 as part of separate Met investigations after they were convicted of targeting multiple women at their flats. Rapist Chao Xu, 34, would give guests a drink he called “the spring of life”, that he had laced with substances including GHB and scopolamine, a travel sickness medication.
He was jailed for life in November 2025 for 24 sexual offences over the course of three years including rape, assault by penetration, sexual assault, upskirting and voyeurism. The second case 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 jurors in the case having to watch the disturbing footage. Awareness events are taking place throughout Freshers’ Week at various universities across London.
