Met Police: Spiking Offences Rise, Offenders Use Vapes and Pills

The Metropolitan Police has reported a rise in offenders using readily available over-the-counter medications and vapes containing illicit substances to spike victims. The force has observed cases involving vapes laced with THC, the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, and the drug spice. Additionally, high doses of common medications such as antihistamines and travel sickness pills, which induce drowsiness, are being employed.

Shift to Private Settings

A notable trend identified by detectives is an increase in spiking incidents occurring at private parties held in flats or houses, moving away from traditional bar and club venues. In the past year, the Met recorded more than 2,700 offences related to spiking. Of these, 131 resulted in charges, cautions, or summonses, marking a 20% increase from the previous year.

The majority of victims, over half, fall within the 18 to 35 age bracket. Investigating spiking cases presents significant challenges because the drugs are quickly processed by the body. The police are therefore emphasising the importance of prompt reporting to aid evidence collection.

Importance of Rapid Reporting

Detective Superintendent Dan Thompson, who leads the Met's spiking investigations, highlighted the evolving nature of these crimes. "The nature of spiking is changing," he stated. "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."

Thompson added, "Many of the substances now being used leave a narrow forensic window, which is why reporting as quickly as possible is so important. Reporting within the first 12 hours allows us to secure CCTV, obtain forensic evidence, identify witnesses and make arrests. Nobody should hesitate to come forward. Even if some time has passed, we still want to hear from you."

The Met also noted that online self-testing kits are unlikely to detect many common over-the-counter or prescription drugs, further underscoring the necessity of official reporting for effective investigation and evidence gathering.

Convictions for Serious Offences

Last year, two individuals were sentenced to life imprisonment for targeting multiple women with spiked drinks in their homes. Chao Xu, 34, was convicted in November 2025 of 24 sexual offences, including rape and assault by penetration, committed over three years. He administered a drink he called “the spring of life”, which contained substances including GHB and scopolamine. Zhenhao Zou, 29, a Chinese PhD student, also received a life sentence for drugging and raping 10 women across London and China. His case involved keeping a trophy box of victims' belongings and filming some of the assaults.

What Happens Next

Awareness events are being conducted throughout Freshers’ Week at various universities across London to inform students about the risks and encourage prompt reporting.