New detection kits to be rolled out across clubs, festivals, schools and the Thames as force warns of under-reported epidemic…reports Asian Lite News
The Metropolitan Police are intensifying their crackdown on vape-spiking after a series of alarming incidents in London, including a case in the southeast of the capital that left teenagers as young as 14 hospitalised. The force said the vapes in question had been tampered with cannabis products, raising fresh fears over the safety of young people and the scale of drug-spiking in the city.
In response, officers will be equipped with new detection technology designed to identify drugs hidden in vaping devices. The kit is being deployed in bars, nightclubs, party boats, concerts, festivals and even schools, amid concerns that the trend could spread further among young people.
The Met revealed that more than 2,000 allegations of spiking were reported between March 2024 and March 2025. However, senior officers believe the true figure could be significantly higher due to chronic under-reporting, particularly among victims who fear they will not be taken seriously or who struggle to recall events after being drugged.
Women and girls appear to be most at risk. Police data shows that in August 2025, two-thirds of victims who came forward were female, underlining what campaigners have long argued—that spiking disproportionately targets women in nightlife settings.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ben Russell, who is leading the operation, said the new measures were designed to close the gap between offenders’ tactics and police capabilities. “Spiking is an abhorrent crime that we are tackling head on, whether it takes place in a nightclub, a private venue, or on the Thames,” he said.
“The ongoing trial of new vape-spiking detection kits is just one example of how we are innovating to get ahead of offenders and better protect the public.”
The technology being introduced goes beyond vape checks. Officers will also use near infra-red detectors capable of analysing powders and tablets for traces of drugs such as THC—the psychoactive compound in cannabis—or synthetic substances including spice. The handheld devices are expected to speed up the process of gathering evidence and make it harder for offenders to evade detection.
The decision to expand testing follows reports of young people falling seriously ill after using tampered vapes. In the southeast London case, hospital doctors confirmed that several teenagers, the youngest only 14, had ingested cannabis products without their knowledge. While none of the youngsters sustained life-threatening injuries, the Met said the incident highlighted the urgent need to intervene before the practice becomes more widespread.
Russell urged victims not to stay silent. “If you think you’ve been spiked, please come forward,” he said. “Being spiked is never your fault—it’s always the fault of the perpetrator. The sooner we know, the more we can do to support you, collect evidence and stop dangerous offenders from targeting others.”
The Met’s approach mirrors a growing national concern. Spiking incidents, once largely associated with drinks laced with alcohol or sedatives, have evolved in recent years. Vapes—cheap, widely available, and easily modified—are now emerging as a new vector for offenders. Unlike drink spiking, which can sometimes be detected by taste or smell, vape-spiking can be far harder for victims to identify until they feel unwell.
Nightlife venues, meanwhile, face mounting pressure to improve safety. Campaign groups have long criticised clubs and bars for failing to take spiking seriously enough, arguing that women are often dismissed when they report symptoms. Some venues have already introduced stricter bag checks, but campaigners say the onus should be on authorities to invest in rapid testing and visible enforcement.
The new measures are also expected to extend to the River Thames, where so-called “party boats” have become a growing feature of London’s nightlife. The Met confirmed that officers would be equipped to carry out on-the-spot tests at such venues, which attract hundreds of revellers each weekend.
Health experts warn that the impact of spiking can be devastating, both physically and psychologically. Victims often experience confusion, nausea, loss of consciousness and memory blackouts, leaving them vulnerable to further crimes including assault. Campaigners stress that the trauma of not knowing exactly what has happened can be long-lasting, especially for young women targeted in environments that should be safe.
The introduction of detection technology is being framed as part of a wider push by the Met to restore trust in policing. The force has faced criticism in recent years for failing to adequately protect women and for mishandling reports of sexual violence. By taking a visible stance on spiking, senior officers hope to send a message that the issue is being treated with urgency.
Yet challenges remain. With more than 2,000 allegations recorded in just one year—and many more thought to have gone unreported—the scale of the problem could overwhelm police resources. Critics also point out that detection technology alone will not be enough without tougher sentencing for offenders and greater investment in nightlife safety.
For now, the Met insists its priority is prevention and early detection. The message to offenders is clear: vape-spiking will not be tolerated. And the message to victims, Russell stressed, is equally vital: “You will be believed, and we will act.”
