Police warn of rise in vape and medicine spiking

Predators are increasingly using prescription drugs, over-the-counter medication and drug-laced vapes to spike victims, the Metropolitan Police has said.

London detectives have seen cases involving vapes containing THC or Spice, alongside high doses of everyday medicines like antihistamines and travel sickness pills that cause drowsiness.

While spiking is traditionally linked to bars and clubs, officers are also investigating incidents at house parties, student accommodation and other private settings.

More than 2,700 spiking-related offences have been reported to the Met in the past year. Just 131 led to a charge, caution or summons – though this is up 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.

Det Supt 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."

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.

Awareness events are taking place throughout Freshers' Week at various universities across London.

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