Police warn club-goers to watch their drinks

Nanaimo

2022-05-11 14:44 PDT

File # 2022-15239

The Nanaimo RCMP are issuing a warning to patrons who frequent Nanaimo nightclubs to keep an eye on their drinks, after several incidents of spiked drinks were reported from last weekend. The incidents occurred on the evenings of Friday May 6th and Saturday May 7th and involved different nightclubs in downtown Nanaimo.

Front line officers were first alerted to the situation on Friday May 6, 2022, after seeing BC Paramedics responding to a call involving two individuals who were outside a nightclub and appeared to be extremely intoxicated. Their situation required both persons to be hospitalized. Subsequent investigation determined that the victims may have ingested an intoxicating substance without their knowledge or consent. Police were later notified that it appears that upwards of six people ingested spiked drinks, with at least one of the victims being a man.

These situations can occur at anytime and anywhere. As a result, it is extremely important that club-goers be extremely watchful of their drinks, said Constable Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.

Police believe there may be other victims but that they have not come forward yet. The following tips are provided for your safety:

• Always keep your drink in sight;
• Never accept a drink from someone that you do not know. Remember, spiked drinks can happen in any social settings and do not only occur at nightclubs;
• When on the dance floor or washroom, have a designated person be responsible for your drink; and
• If you suddenly become light-headed, nauseous and are having difficulty breathing, do not allow yourself to become isolated. Alert your friends immediately to the situation and if necessary, seek medical attention.

If you have information on any of these incidents, please contact the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345, and quote file # 2022-15239.
 

Released by

Cst. Gary O'Brien

Email: gary.obrien@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Website: nanaimo.rcmp-grc.gc.ca

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