Another BC city sounding the alarm about drinks being spiked with GHB

There are more concerns about drinks being spiked or tampered with in British Columbia.

In January, Mounties in Fernie began to investigate reports of people having their drinks spiked with drugs like Ketamine or GHB while enjoying a night out at local establishments.

On the other side of the province two months later, the Nanaimo RCMP is sounding the alarm about the same issue at local nightclubs.

Police say “several individuals” have come forward to report that they’ve felt unwell or had difficulty breathing after consuming a beverage at various Nanaimo nightclubs.

Some have needed to seek medical attention after becoming nauseous and light-headed, which Cst. Gary O’Brien says are common symptoms of drinks being spiked with GHB or the “date rape drug.”

“Many incidents involving GHB do not get reported for a variety of reasons, and we only learn of them through social media posts,” O’Brien noted. “Having said that, when incidents are reported to the police, we endeavor to determine what happened and find out who is responsible.”

The uptick in reports about spiked drinks comes four months after police issued a public service announcement warning the public to be careful in that regard.

Now, the RCMP is teaming up with Central Vancouver Island Crime Stoppers and local nightclub owners in an attempt to elevate awareness about the issue.

Posters created by graphic design students at Vancouver Island University are being placed in washrooms of establishments around the city.

The Nanaimo Bar Watch program, which stretches beyond the city’s nightclub scene to pubs like Carlos O’Bryans, is also jumping in on the poster campaign.

“Nanaimo bar owners are taking the lead on this because our guests' health and safety is critical to us. We are mothers and fathers who welcome guests into our establishments to enjoy themselves responsibly,” explained Carlos O’Bryans owner Elaine Nelson-Hosack.

“Excellent customer service in the hospitality industry is more than a simple transaction. It’s about providing patrons with a great experience and building customer loyalty. We work hard to make guests feel comfortable and valued, and their safety is a priority.”

Anyone with information about incidents involving spiked drinks in Nanaimo is urged to contact the RCMP’s non-emergency line at 250-754-2345. Of course, those with concerns or suspicions about spiked drinks anywhere in BC can reach out to their local police.