Nearly 5,000 cases of needle and drink spiking were reported to police across the UK over the span of a year - according to the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC).
In total, 4,924 reports were made to forces up and down the country in the 12 months leading to September 2022 - with ketamine, cocaine and MDMA being the most prevalent drugs detected from around 800 tests carried out so far.
However, a mere 3 per cent of cases were found to contain 'a controlled drug which supports a spiking incident'.
Read more: Warning issued by police after prescription drugs reported missing in South Shields
The PA News Agency reports that the NPCC admitted this low percentage reflects the fact drugs may no longer be in an alleged victim’s system by the time the test is taken. The results of some samples may also be dubbed uncertain due to the presence of medicinal and recreational drugs taken by the complainant.
Figures from the NPCC showed that the most common incident reported to a force came in the form of needle spiking, with 2,581 alleged cases. Drink spiking followed narrowly on, with 2,131 cases.
Some 212 reports were made concerning 'other spiking' – for example with regards to cigarettes and food.
The NPCC’s lead for tackling violence and against women and girls, Deputy Chief Constable Maggie Blyth, said police have in-turn 'increased action' against spiking through measures like having undercover detectives in bars. She said: “Behind each of these reports is a frightened victim whose night out has turned into a nightmare.
“I know from talking to victims of spiking how utterly terrifying it can be. Police forces have increased action against spiking, with uniformed and covert operations in bars and clubs, working alongside venues to prevent and investigate spiking.”
Ms Blyth added that spiking is a 'complex and challenging' offence to investigate because drugs pass through the system quickly, meaning there is often limited evidence. Ahead of New Year’s Eve parties, police have advised anyone who is concerned that they could have been spiked to report the incident as quickly as possible.
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