The Met is stepping up its fight against spiking across London’s bars, clubs, and even party boats on the Thames, using cutting-Edgeedge tech to catch offenders red-handed.
New Tech Targets Vape Spiking and Drugs
Reports of vapes being tampered with and handed around are on england/the-Riserise/”>england/the-rise/”>the rise, sometimes sending victims to hospital. To tackle this, police have rolled out new vape-spiking detection kits capable of quickly testing vapes for drugs like THC and Spice. This tech has already been used at festivals, concerts, and schools.
Alongside the vape detectors, the Met is trialling near-infrared devices that can rapidly test powders and tablets on the spot. This tech is coupled with mobile apps, speeding up drug identification to catch offenders fast.
Operation Albenga Targets Party Boats on the Thames
The Marine Support Unit leads the charge with Operation Albenga, prowling the Thames party boats—popular with students during Freshers’ Week. Officers patrol 47 miles of the Riverriver, checking partygoers, using detection kits, and conducting safety stops right at Westminster Pier.
These efforts follow a national Spiking Intensification Week, aimed at protecting young people starting Universityuniversity.
Speak Out If You’ve Been Spiked
If you think you’ve been a victim of spiking, report it immediately to help police collect crucial evidence and protect others. Call 999 during an emergency or report online through the Met’s official reporting page or dial 111.
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The Met has added hundreds of specially trained officers to its VAWG teams, doubling rape charges since 2022 and securing hundreds of stalking protection orders – all part of a stronger, smarter fight to keep London safe.
