Predatory offenders are increasingly using everyday medicines to spike unsuspecting victims, the Metropolitan Police has warned, as officers prepare targeted Freshers’ Week operations across London.
Throughout Freshers’ Week, the Met will carry out operations at universities, student events and across London’s night-time economy venues, following growing evidence that offenders are changing both the substances they use and the environments in which they operate.
While spiking has long been associated with bars and clubs, detectives are also investigating offences committed in private homes, at parties and on dates.
Offenders continue to use drugs such as cocaine and ketamine, but officers are increasingly encountering over-the-counter medicines and prescription drugs, which are easily accessible and harder to detect once administered. Many of these medicines will intensify the effects of alcohol, leaving victims vulnerable to sexual offences, robbery and other crimes, the Met said.
Officers are also seeing increased reports involving “vape spiking”, where substances are added to vapes that are then shared among friends.
In the past year, the Met has secured 131 positive outcomes for spiking-related offences, a 20 per cent increase on the previous year. More than half of all reported victims of spiking over the past year were aged between 18 and 35, with a fifth of victims aged under 18.
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. From over-the-counter sleeping tablets and prescription drugs to vapes that are shared between friends, spiking is no longer confined to a drink left unattended in a nightclub.”
“Our message is simple: if you spike someone, we will do everything in our power to identify you and bring you to justice. We will not tolerate this predatory behaviour,” he added.
“We’ve secured a record number of charges over the last year, but every report helps us build a better picture of offending and disrupt those responsible. Even where offenders are not immediately identified, reports help us understand patterns and target offenders more effectively.”
The Met pointed to the case of Chang Xu, 33, from Greenwich, who was sentenced to life imprisonment after admitting multiple rape, sexual assault and attempted murder offences. He met women through a Mandarin-language church and social events, invited them back to his home in Greenwich, where he drugged, raped and assaulted them. Detectives believe he may have targeted more victims and are urging anyone with information to contact police.
“Many of the substances now being used leave a narrow forensic window, which is why reporting as quickly as possible is critical,” DS Thompson said. “Nobody should hesitate to come forward. Even if some time has passed, we still want to hear from you.”
The Met has invested in specialist forensic capabilities to meet the evolving threat, including equipping officers with the ability to test suspected spiked vapes.
Anyone who believes they have been spiked should report it to police as soon as possible. If an offence is in progress or has just happened, call 999. Reports can also be made via 101 or online.
Reporting based on: Metropolitan Police: “Met warns predatory offenders are increasingly using everyday medicines to spike unsuspecting victims”, 23 September 2026
