Empowering Yourself: The Benefits of Using Check Your Drink (CYD) to Prevent Drink Spiking

Benefits of Preventing Drink Spiking with Check Your Drink (CYD)

Recent events in Cork highlight the serious and ongoing issue of drink spiking.?

See article from Irish Examiner at https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-41556307.html

In light of this example above, personal safety tools like the Check Your Drink (CYD) kit are becoming increasingly important.?

CYD efficacy and ISO certification are validated by independent laboratories.

Here are some key benefits of using CYD:

1. Early Detection: CYD allows for the quick and discreet detection of common spiking drugs like GHB and Ketamine. This early detection is crucial as it allows for rapid intervention, potentially preventing more severe consequences.

2. Peace of Mind: Knowing you have a reliable tool to check your drink can significantly reduce anxiety and increase confidence in social situations where drink spiking is a concern.

3. Empowerment and Control: CYD puts the power back in your hands, allowing you to take an active role in your own safety and make informed decisions about your drinks.

4. Deterring Potential Offenders: Having CYD kits around can really put off anyone thinking about committing a crime, making things safer for everyone.

5. Secured By Design: From early February 2025, CYD new packaging will mention the SBD ( Secured by Design ) provided by the United Kingdom police forces. See also: https://www.securedbydesign.com/ for more information

Statistics:

While precise figures on drink spiking are difficult to obtain due to underreporting, available data paints a concerning picture.

Below is information gathered from various sources in January 2025.

• Europe

Ireland:?

The Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI) reported a 50% increase in calls relating to spiking incidents in 2022.

In 2022, An Garda Síochána investigated 106 incidents of drink spiking, a significant increase from 62 incidents in 2021.

The largest number of spiking incidents occurred in the Dublin Metropolitan Region, accounting for 47% of the total incidents.

A CYD survey found that 54% of people in Ireland are more concerned about drink spiking than they were five years ago. Recent incidents in Cork in January 2025 highlight the ongoing issue of drink tampering in social environments.

United Kingdom:?

A study by Anglia Ruskin University in the UK found that approximately 90% of drink spiking incidents go unreported. The research indicated that more than a million people could be having their drinks spiked annually, underscoring the vast underreporting of such crimes.

A 2022 YouGov survey found that 1 in 9 women and 1 in 17 men reported having their drink spiked.

In 2022, the police received 6,732 reports of spiking, with 957 cases involving needle spiking. 6,318 individuals reported incidents of drink spiking in a survey conducted by Drinkaware.

In 2023, the number of survey respondents increased to 10,473 individuals. Reports of drink spiking and needle spiking continued to rise, with a notable increase in incidents during university terms and freshers' weeks.

In 2024, the government published a report on understanding and tackling spiking, highlighting the ongoing efforts to address this issue. The report emphasised the need for legislative amendments, improved reporting mechanisms, and public awareness campaigns.

January 2025 : Reported by BBC Parliament bar closed after alleged spiking incident. See also https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgj22d3n9l6o

France:?

Reports by the French National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products ( ANSM Agence nationale de sécurité du médicament et des produits de santé ) indicate ongoing concern and effort to address chemical submission also known as drug-facilitated crimes.

In 2019:? 574 cases of suspected chemical submission were reported.?

In 2022: 1,229 suspected cases were reported & 2,197 declarations were made to the national expert center

September 2024: A French mass rape trial highlighted the challenges doctors face in identifying chemical submission in sexual violence cases, emphasising the need for better training and awareness

January 2025: France Télévisions has released a documentary on January 21st called "Soumission chimique : pour que la honte change de camp" . Title means in english language "Chemical submission: so that shame changes sides"

Germany:

July 2022 – German Chancellor's Summer Party: At an event hosted by Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democratic Party, at least nine women were suspected of being spiked with date rape drugs. The women reported feeling ill and dizzy after attending the party, where unknown substances were mixed into their food and drinks. German police initiated an investigation, conducting blood tests on the victims to detect toxic substance

In October 2024, a Dutchman was arrested and extradited to Germany under suspicion of distributing Jeroboams of Mo?t & Chandon containing liquid ecstasy. The spiked champagne led to the death of a 52-year-old man and hospitalisation of eight other

Incidents are reported in Berlin, Hamburg, and other cities and concerns are often about the use of GHB and other "K.O. drops."

The Netherlands:

Increased Awareness: Similar to other European countries, the Netherlands saw heightened awareness of drink spiking in 2022 and 2023, partly due to increased media coverage and social media discussions. This likely led to more reporting, but underreporting is still believed to be a significant issue.

Ongoing University Concerns: Student organisations and universities have expressed concerns about drink spiking and sexual assault, organising awareness campaigns and providing support resources.

Switzerland:?

In recent years, Swiss police have noted an increase in reports of drink spiking, particularly in nightlife areas such as Zurich, Geneva, and Lausanne.

In 2021, Zurich police reported a rise in suspected drink spiking cases, with several incidents occurring in bars and clubs. In 2022, several incidents were reported in Geneva, where victims alleged their drinks were spiked in popular bars.

In January 2025, guests at the Hirscheneck (trendy bar) are said to have been given liquid ecstasy and/or some knockout drops during the celebration of New Year's Eve. People were admitted with an "unexplained coma," the university hospital confirmed.

Belgium:

2022 - Music Festivals: Several incidents were reported at music festivals during the summer of 2022. Victims described feeling dizzy, disoriented, and experiencing memory loss after consuming drinks they suspect were spiked. Some cases involved allegations of subsequent sexual assault.

2023 - Rise in Reports: Belgian media reported a significant increase in drink spiking incidents in 2023, particularly in Brussels and other major cities. Several cases involved young women being targeted in nightclubs and bars. Some victims reported experiencing symptoms consistent with GHB or other sedatives, although confirming the specific substances used is often difficult.

Kortrijk: In December 2024, over 20 young women reported drink spiking incidents in the nightlife area of Kortrijk. Some cases led to sexual abuse, prompting city officials to launch awareness campaigns in local high schools

Spain:

Drink spiking and date rape drug incidents have been a concerning issue in Spain.

The introduction of preventive measures reflects a proactive approach to addressing these concerns.?

Spanish media reported a rise in drink spiking incidents in 2023, particularly in popular tourist destinations like Barcelona, Madrid, and Ibiza.

In 2024, the Medusa Sunbeach Festival introduced "violet points," designated areas where attendees could test their drinks for psychoactive substances like GHB, commonly known as a "date-rape" drug. These testing kits, a first in Spain, aim to prevent sexual assaults by allowing individuals to verify the safety of their beverages. Social workers staffed these points to assist victims and witnesses of sexual harassment and gender-based violence.

• North America:?

United States:

Common date rape drugs include Rohypnol, Ketamine, and GHB. These substances are often used to incapacitate victims, making it difficult for them to remember the assault or identify the perpetrator.

In 2023, there were 127,216 reported rape cases in the United States. This figure includes attempts and assaults to commit rape, but excludes unforced statutory rape and other sex offenses.

July 2024: Two female university students in Cancun, Mexico, experienced a drink spiking incident, with one requiring hospital treatment. The incident underscored the importance of vigilance and awareness of drink spiking risks

Canada:?

In 2022:?6,318 individuals reported incidents of drink spiking in a survey conducted by Drinkaware. The police received 6,732 reports of spiking, with 957 cases involving needle spiking

In 2023:?The number of survey respondents increased to 10,473 individuals. Reports of drink spiking and needle spiking continued to rise, with a notable increase in incidents during university terms and freshers' weeks.

In 2024:?The government published a report on understanding and tackling spiking, highlighting the ongoing efforts to address this issue. The report emphasised the need for legislative amendments, improved reporting mechanisms, and public awareness campaigns.

• Latin America:?

Mexico:?

Concerns exist about the use of Rohypnol and other benzodiazepines in drug-facilitated sexual assaults.

July 2024: Two female university students in Cancun experienced a drink spiking incident, with one requiring hospital treatment. The incident underscored the importance of vigilance and awareness of drink spiking risks.

Central America: Limited data available, and anecdotal evidence suggests the use of various date rape drugs, including alcohol and benzodiazepines.

Colombia: Has a high prevalence of scopolamine use, with reports of it being used in "express kidnappings" and sexual assaults.

Chile: Drink spiking is a serious concern, impacting nightlife districts and touristic areas?

Brazil: Reports indicate widespread use of various date rape drugs, particularly in nightlife settings.

• Oceania

Australia:?

In 2022:?186 drink or food spiking incidents were recorded in New South Wales (NSW) from July 2021 to June 2022. This was a 55% increase compared to the same period before the pandemic. Drink spiking incidents were at their highest level in five years

?In 2023: Data from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOSCAR) showed a continued rise in drink spiking incidents, particularly in university towns and social settings. Reports indicated that young women and LGBTQIA+ individuals were the most targeted groups.

In 2024, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reported a 9.1% increase in alcohol-induced deaths in 2022, highlighting the broader issue of alcohol-related harm.

The Alcohol and Drug Foundation emphasised the need for greater action to reduce these numbers and called for stronger regulations around alcohol availability and promotion.

In November 2024, following overseas incidents of methanol poisoning, parents and authorities expressed heightened concerns about drink spiking during the Schoolies festival in South Australia.

December 2024: Perth dentist Farzam Mehrabi was sentenced to 15 years in prison for drugging and raping several young women he met through dating apps, using substances like MDMA and methamphetamine without their knowledge.

January 21st 2025: Australian Border Force reports "Date-rape drug imports lead to Port Pirie arrests" as per https://www.abf.gov.au/newsroom-subsite/Pages/Date-rape-drug-imports-lead-to-Port-Pirie-arrests.aspx

New Zealand:

Christchurch: In April 2023, two men were found guilty of 69 charges related to drugging and sexually assaulting numerous young women at popular nightlife spots, including the former Mama Hooch bar. The offenders targeted women by offering free drinks, which were spiked, leading to severe consequences for the victims.

Fiji:

Warwick Resort Incident: In December 2024, seven tourists, including four Australians, fell ill after consuming pina coladas at the Warwick Resort. The victims experienced symptoms like seizures, vomiting, and nausea. Initial suspicions pointed to methanol poisoning; however, toxicology reports later found no methanol or illicit substances in the cocktails. The exact cause of the illnesses remains under investigation.

• Africa?

South Africa:?

A 2022 study in the South African Medical Journal highlighted the increasing prevalence of drink spiking, particularly among young women in urban areas.

News reports in 2022 and 2023 indicated a rise in drink spiking incidents with concerns raised about the use of GHB and other drugs.

The Rape Crisis Cape Town Trust has highlighted the link between drink spiking and sexual assault, with drugs like rohypnol and gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) being commonly used.

December 2024: In Umhlanga, north of Durban, there were rising cases of drink spiking leading to sexual assaults. Victims have come forward to seek justice and raise awareness about the increasing incidents in popular entertainment areas

Kenya:?

Media occasionally reports on drink spiking incidents in Nairobi and other urban areas, highlighting the risks in nightlife settings.

The notorious "mchele" gang has been involved in numerous drink spiking incidents. Victims have reported losing money and valuables after being drugged in entertainment joints. The gang's activities have been widespread, with several arrests made in connection to these crimes.

Other countries:

Botswana: Some reports indicate drink spiking incidents, particularly in Gaborone, with concerns about the use of Rohypnol.

Uganda: Occasional news reports highlight drink spiking cases in Kampala and other urban areas, often linked to sexual assault.

Tanzania: Limited information available, but some reports suggest drink spiking occurs in nightlife settings in Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar.

Egypt: In November 2024, Egyptian authorities arrested a well-known media figure and a foreign national for trafficking 180 litres of GHB, a date rape drug. The colourless, odourless drug was allegedly being trafficked by the individuals.

Nigeria: There have been isolated reports of drink spiking incidents in Lagos and other cities, raising concerns about the safety of women in social settings.

• Middle East

United Arab Emirates (UAE): Occasional news reports highlight drink spiking incidents in Dubai and other cities, often linked to nightlife and social gatherings.

There are concerns about the use of date rape drugs in some expat communities.

In November 2022, the UAE's Public Prosecution clarified that spiking someone's food or drink with narcotic substances without their knowledge is punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of no less than AED 20,000. This underscores the country's stringent stance against such offenses.

Israel: Some research indicates that drink spiking and drug-facilitated sexual assault occur, particularly in Tel Aviv and other urban areas with active nightlife. There are concerns about the use of GHB and other drugs.

Lebanon: Limited information is available, but some reports suggest drink spiking occurs in Beirut and other cities with a nightlife scene.

Turkey: In January 2025, there was a tragic incident in Istanbul where 19 people died after consuming tainted alcohol within 48 hours. The alcohol was spiked with methanol, a toxic substance.

Kuwait: GHB known as a date rape drug, has been a significant concern. It causes memory loss, paralysis, hallucination, unconsciousness, and depression. The Ministry of Interior has been actively cracking down on drug dealers to combat this issue

• Asia

Recent notable incidents in India:?

Gujarat Tragedy (July 2022): At least 28 individuals lost their lives, and 60 others fell ill after consuming spiked liquor in the Ahmedabad and Botad districts of Gujarat. Despite the state's prohibition on alcohol, the victims ingested illegally produced liquor containing toxic chemicals.

Bihar Poisoning (December 2022): In Bihar's Saran district, 73 people died after consuming hooch, a term for spurious liquor. This incident marked the deadliest since the state's alcohol prohibition in 2016

June 2024 in the southern state of Tamil Nadu: At least 34 people died and over 100 were hospitalised after consuming illegally brewed alcohol spiked with methanol. The incident took place in the Kallakurichi district, prompting a police investigation and the arrest of individuals involved in selling the illicit liquor.

Recent notable incidents in South East Asia:?

Laos Methanol Poisoning (November 2024): In Vang Vieng, Laos, six tourists from Australia, Denmark, the United States, and the United Kingdom died after consuming methanol-tainted alcohol at the Nana Backpacker Hostel. The victims included two 19-year-old Australians, Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones, and 28-year-old British lawyer Simone White. Several others were hospitalised with severe symptoms. Local authorities arrested the hostel's staff and prohibited the sale of specific local spirits believed to be the source of the poisoning.

Thailand Incident (November 2024): Two young women from Melbourne were hospitalised in Thailand after consuming methanol-laced drinks in Laos. They experienced severe health complications, including difficulty breathing, and were placed on life support

Bali: In Bali, there have been several reports of drink spiking in bars and clubs frequented by tourists. Victims have reported losing consciousness and waking up to find their belongings stolen

Malaysia: there have been several reports of drink spiking incidents, particularly in nightclubs and bars in Kuala Lumpur. Victims often report feeling dizzy, nauseous, and experiencing memory loss after consuming spiked drinks. The government has been proactive in addressing this issue by training bar staff to spot and prevent drink spiking incidents

Republic of Korea (South Korea):

News reports frequently highlight cases of drink spiking and subsequent sexual assaults, particularly in nightlife districts. These reports often mention GHB as the drug of choice.

Experts and support organisations working with victims of sexual violence confirm that drink spiking is a significant problem, though the exact scale is hard to determine due to underreporting.

In 2022; The Korea Customs Service reported a significant increase in GHB smuggling. They seized enough GHB to potentially drug thousands of individuals, indicating a worrying rise in its availability and likely use in drink spiking. The Korean National Police Agency reported over 31,000 cases of sexual violence, an increase from previous years. While this doesn't specifically address drink spiking, it points to a broader problem of sexual violence in the country.

Japan:?

There have been instances of drug-related sexual assaults in Japan, with substances like Rohypnol and GHB being used to spike drinks. These drugs can cause sedation and memory loss, rendering victims vulnerable to sexual assault.?

The Japanese government has recognised the severity of this issue and has implemented measures to combat the use of date rape drugs.?

Roppongi, Tokyo: There has been a significant increase in drink spiking incidents in bars and clubs in the Roppongi area. The U.S. Embassy has issued multiple warnings to American citizens to avoid these venues due to the rise in reported cases

China:?

The Chinese government has taken steps to address this issue, including public awareness campaigns and stricter regulations on the sale and distribution of substances that can be used as date rape drugs.?

Shanghai: In June 2022, a female student at the Shanghai International Studies University reported her drink being spiked with an effervescent tablet containing taurine. The incident sparked outrage and discussions on social media about the regulation of such products.

Hubei Province: In April 2024, a female employee was arrested for repeatedly spiking her pregnant colleague's drink to prevent her from taking maternity leave. The incident highlighted workplace stress and the importance of maternity leave.

Hong Kong: In 2024, a man was accused of spiking a woman's drink at a bar, leading to his dismissal from two fintech companies

These statistics highlight the widespread nature of drink spiking and underscore the need for effective preventative measures like CYD.

The above occurs while specific statistics on a global scale are challenging to compile due to variations in reporting and data collection methods.

Conclusion:

CYD provides a practical and proactive solution to the growing problem of drink spiking. By empowering individuals to take control of their safety, CYD not only offers peace of mind but also contributes to creating a safer social environment for everyone.

Countries where you can currently find a CYD distributor: ?United Kingdom ?Ireland ?United States ?Canada ?France ?Germany ?Spain ?Portugal ?Croatia ?Lithuania ?Iceland ?Republic of Korea (South Korea) ?Australia ?New Zealand

Countries that might have a CYD distributor in a near future: ?Italy ?Romania ?Sweden ?Norway ?Belgium ?The Netherlands ?Chile ?Costa Rica ?South Africa ?Thailand

For more information about Check Your Drink (CYD), send us a message here on LinkedIn or contact [email protected].

By Michael Maurin on behalf of NeutraPharma Europe Limited