Continued reports of spiked drinks at Nanaimo nightclubs and bars have prompted Nanaimo RCMP to launch a Public Service Campaign.
RCMP will be partnering with nightclub owners and Central Vancouver Island Crime Stoppers (CVICS) to educate and warn people about the dangers of spiked drinks and mixing alcohol with recreational drugs.
R/Cst. Gary O’Brien with the Nanaimo RCMP said several reports have come forward about spiked drinks after people consumed a beverage and said they started feeling unwell and lightheaded.
“These are common symptoms of a drink that has been spiked with GHB or what is commonly referred to as the club drug or date rape drug.”
O’Brien added many incidents don’t get reported and they find out through social media posts, but the ones that do are investigated to find out what happened and who’s responsible.
To protect beverages, special drink covers will be considered across the city, coasters with printed messages, and posters made by VIU Graphic Design students will be placed in washrooms to warn people of the issue.
Carlos O’Bryan’s owner operator Elaine Nelson-Hosack said they’ll be participating in the campaign because the health and safety of their guests is critical to them.
“We work hard to make guests feel comfortable and valued, and their safety is a priority. This campaign will send the message that we are tackling this problem as a community that cares.”
Anyone with information about incidents involving spiked drinks is asked to contact the Nanaimo RCMP’s non-emergency line.
