An increase in spiked drinks has prompted RCMP to start an investigation after one person noticed a ‘foreign substance’ in her drink.
According to police, a woman was drinking a beverage at a local Nanaimo pub when she noticed the substance in her drink and immediately stopped before alerting staff who notified RCMP.
Reserve constable Gary O’Brien says the warning is being put out to make people aware, and more cautious when they go out and thankfully nothing serious happened.
“The patron did the correct thing, which allowed our officers to initiate an investigation,” he says. “The patron didn’t suffer any adverse reactions and didn’t require medical attention.”
He adds spiked drinks are becoming common, but they’re not just limited to nightclubs, and can occur at any time so people should be aware of what to look out for.
“The effects vary but you may begin to feel very drunk or sleepy, confused or disorientated,” he says. “You could also feel dizzy and may have trouble standing or walking.
“If you suspect that your drink has been spiked, alert your friends, don’t allow yourself to become isolated and seek medical aid immediately.”
Police say common indications in the drink include a muddy or cloudy look, or bubbles may start to form.
If anyone has information on drinks being spiked, they’re asked to contact their local RCMP detachment.
