Met warns spiking tactics are shifting to everyday medicines and laced vapes as Freshers' Week begins

The Metropolitan Police has warned that predatory offenders are increasingly using everyday medicines and substances added to vapes to spike unsuspecting victims, as it launches targeted Freshers’ Week operations across London.

Detective Superintendent Dan Thompson, the Met’s spiking lead, said the nature of spiking is changing: “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.”

More than half of all reported spiking victims over the past year were aged between 18 and 35, the force said. Throughout Freshers’ Week, officers will carry out targeted operations at universities, student events and night-time economy venues across London, including trials of vape-spiking detection equipment developed with scientists at the University of Bath.

The Independent reported that officers were testing students’ vapes for THC and synthetic cannabinoids at a London university freshers’ event, while the Met’s Marine Support Unit ran Operation Albenga against spiking on Thames party boats — a campaign backed by Home Office minister Jess Phillips, who said: “As students across the country enjoy Freshers Week, we are determined to tackle the vile crime of spiking.”

Sources

• Metropolitan Police official statement via Mynewsdesk: “Met warns predatory offenders are increasingly using everyday medicines to spike unsuspecting victims” — Det Supt Dan Thompson quotes, victim age data, Freshers’ Week operations
• The Independent (via PA reporting, 23 Sept 2026): anti-spiking operation at London university freshers’ event; University of Bath vape-detection kit
• Hillingdon Times / PA national (23 Sept 2026): Operation Albenga on Thames party boats; vape-spiking detection equipment; Jess Phillips quote