WARNING: DRINK SPIKING ON THE RISE IN THE UK

EXPERTS have warned that official figures showing the number of drink-spiking cases in the UK which have more than doubled in recent years are just the tip of the iceberg.

Experts warn of a drink-spiking epidemic.

In a previous report by Sky News, it was revealed that since 2015 there has been a 108 per cent rise in the number of reports to police forces across the country for drink-spiking cases. However, officials believe the figures are significantly lower than the reality because victims often do not report having their drink spiked for a number of reasons.

Some victims feel like they won’t be believed, especially as in most cases, they themselves can’t remember what really happened because of the effects of the drugs.

In recent reports, obtained by the BBC Radio 5 Live Investigations Unit, findings reveal that there have been more than 2,600 reports of drink-spiking incidents in England and Wales since 2015. 72% of alleged victims were female.

Cases involving under 18s have more than doubled, from 32 in 2015 to 71 in 2018. Between January and September 2019, 68 cases have already been recorded.

The BBC recently interviewed Lily Petch, victim of drink-spiking, who moved to Lincoln to study criminology and sociology in September 2019. Her drink was spiked on just her second night at Uni.

Lily describes how she quickly begun to lose consciousness as her friends had tried to get her out of the club.

After receiving treatment at hospital, Lily was allowed to recover at home – but the experience left her nervous of going out in the city again.

Lily’s case ended in a scare, sadly many others end in tragedy.

We at Euro Weekly News encourage people to know the symptoms, these may include:

• Lowered inhibitions
• Loss of balance
• Visual problems
• Confusion
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Unconsciousness

The symptoms will depend on factors such as the substance or mix of substances used, size and weight of the victim and alcohol already consumed.

More information: Drinkaware 

Under UK law, spiking someone’s beverage with drugs or alcohol is illegal for any reason at all, and carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. If the spiking is accompanied by a rape, assault or robbery, the sentence will be even higher.