Boston police warn community about drinks being drugged at bars

Boston police say they have become aware of numerous social media posts from various people who claim they were victims of drink spiking at area bars.Police are now reminding the public about the danger of scentless, colorless and tasteless drugs such as Rohypnol, also known as roofie, being placed in the drinks of unsuspecting victims. Other “date-rape drugs” that are used in a similar fashion include ketamine and gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB).These types of drugs and substances can cause disorientation, confusion, temporary paralysis or unconsciousness, along with a host of other symptoms — leaving the potential victim vulnerable to the intentions of the perpetrator, according to police.The community alert from Boston police comes a week after the Barnstable Police Department said it received multiple reports from people who thought they may have been drugged at bars in that Cape Cod community.Earlier this month, 5 Investigates reported on the increase in reports of drugging in Massachusetts bars and nightclubs.Boston police are encouraging people to look out for each other when gathered in social settings by creating a “buddy system” to prevent getting separated. In addition, people can take the following steps to ensure their personal safety:Be sure that your drink is being served directly by the bartender or your server. Do not allow people you don’t know or trust to order drinks and deliver them to you.Watch your drink at all times. Never leave your drink unattended.Take your drink with you to the restroom if need be.Keep your hand covered over your drink when you’re not looking at it. Many creative inventions exist that can help you cover your drink.Test your drink with test strips or nail polish that light up a certain color if they detect drugs.Get help immediately if you begin to feel dizzy, nauseated, light-headed or strange in any way.Boston police are also asking people to be aware of any uncharacteristic behavior from their acquaintances and be wary of strangers attempting to lure people away from their friends.Anyone who believes they were a victim of drink spiking are strongly urged to report it to the Boston Police Department either by calling 911 or reporting the incident at any BPD district station.If anyone also sees a person who appears to be in distress, wandering alone late at night or dressed unsuitably for the weather, they should immediately call police.On Nov. 22, 2021, Boston’s Licensing Board released an advisory regarding safety concerns and best practices in nightclubs and other licensed establishments. Click here to read that advisory.

Boston police say they have become aware of numerous social media posts from various people who claim they were victims of drink spiking at area bars.

Police are now reminding the public about the danger of scentless, colorless and tasteless drugs such as Rohypnol, also known as roofie, being placed in the drinks of unsuspecting victims. Other “date-rape drugs” that are used in a similar fashion include ketamine and gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB).

These types of drugs and substances can cause disorientation, confusion, temporary paralysis or unconsciousness, along with a host of other symptoms — leaving the potential victim vulnerable to the intentions of the perpetrator, according to police.

The community alert from Boston police comes a week after the Barnstable Police Department said it received multiple reports from people who thought they may have been drugged at bars in that Cape Cod community.

Earlier this month, 5 Investigates reported on the increase in reports of drugging in Massachusetts bars and nightclubs.

Boston police are encouraging people to look out for each other when gathered in social settings by creating a “buddy system” to prevent getting separated. In addition, people can take the following steps to ensure their personal safety:

  • Be sure that your drink is being served directly by the bartender or your server. Do not allow people you don’t know or trust to order drinks and deliver them to you.
  • Watch your drink at all times. Never leave your drink unattended.
  • Take your drink with you to the restroom if need be.
  • Keep your hand covered over your drink when you’re not looking at it. Many creative inventions exist that can help you cover your drink.
  • Test your drink with test strips or nail polish that light up a certain color if they detect drugs.
  • Get help immediately if you begin to feel dizzy, nauseated, light-headed or strange in any way.

Boston police are also asking people to be aware of any uncharacteristic behavior from their acquaintances and be wary of strangers attempting to lure people away from their friends.

Anyone who believes they were a victim of drink spiking are strongly urged to report it to the Boston Police Department either by calling 911 or reporting the incident at any BPD district station.

If anyone also sees a person who appears to be in distress, wandering alone late at night or dressed unsuitably for the weather, they should immediately call police.

On Nov. 22, 2021, Boston’s Licensing Board released an advisory regarding safety concerns and best practices in nightclubs and other licensed establishments. Click here to read that advisory.

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