Crack police units are investigating reports of revellers being injected with a mystery substance in several holiday island nightclubs before being robbed. Forces in Spain are probing at least six cases of clubbers receiving punctures wounds in busy venues with some claiming they had valuables stolen.
Police in Majorca have taken over an investigations after a man reported being injected with a substance in a club near the capital Palma. He claimed that he noticed a small puncture wound on his leg and began to feel unwell when some of his belongings went missing.
The Guardia Civil is also looking at six other similar cases where the victims were women. Four incidents were reported in Ibiza and another two in Majorca. No further crimes were reported but the incidents have sent shockwaves through the large numbers of tourists and local revellers who flock to clubs and late-night music bars across the Balearic Islands, reports the Ultima Hora newspaper.
Police said anyone suspecting of being injected should immediately alert security personnel at the venue and remain with someone trustworthy while medical help is summoned. One woman claimed friend was had been a victim.
She told the newspaper: "One night, while partying, she began to feel dizzy and had tremors . They told security workers and her friends who took her to the hospital.
"I'm always very careful because these things, unfortunately, happen very often," she added. The British Embassy in Spain introduced a "Stick With Your Mates" campaign to remind young tourists to take care whilst partying on holiday.
Working with the British embassy and consulate, the initiative will also highlight the islands’ “zero tolerance against uncivil behaviour”.
It will provide holidaymakers with tips about how to take care of one another and help avoid serious accidents. The Stick With Your Mates campaign, now in its third year, was developed in response to a number of tragic accidents involving young British tourists visiting the Balearic Islands – many involving falls. Investigations by the British Consulate in Palma found that the vast majority of serious incidents took place when the individuals were on their own, having been separated from friends.
UK Ambassador Hugh Elliott said: "The Balearics are a fantastic and safe destination, but we want to make sure that our visitors are aware of the local rules and know how to stay safe on a night out. We are working closely with the Balearic Government whose new measures include limiting excessive consumption of alcohol and anti-social behaviour.
"We all have a responsibility to know the rules, stick to them and ensure a great holiday for ourselves, and those around us."
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