RCMP, Crime Stoppers start awareness campaign over spiked drinks in Nanaimo, B.C.
Advertisement
Read this article for free:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
To continue reading, please subscribe:
Monthly Digital Subscription
$1 per week for 24 weeks*
- Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
- Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
- Access News Break, our award-winning app
- Play interactive puzzles
*Billed as $4.00 plus GST every four weeks. After 24 weeks, price increases to the regular rate of $19.00 plus GST every four weeks. Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.
Monthly Digital Subscription
$4.75/week*
- Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
- Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
- Access News Break, our award-winning app
- Play interactive puzzles
*Billed as $19 plus GST every four weeks. Cancel any time.
To continue reading, please subscribe:
Add Winnipeg Free Press access to your Brandon Sun subscription for only
$1 for the first 4 weeks*
*$1 will be added to your next bill. After your 4 weeks access is complete your rate will increase by $0.00 a X percent off the regular rate.
Read unlimited articles for free today:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 12/03/2025 (205 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
NANAIMO, B.C. – Police in Nanaimo, B.C., say they’re spearheading a public awareness campaign with local bar owners and Crime Stoppers over “several reports” of drinks being drugged at local nightclubs in recent months.
Police say people have reported having a drink and immediately having trouble breathing and feeling unwell, with some seeking medical attention for nausea and light-headedness.
They say those symptoms are common if drinks have been spiked with GHB, often called the “date rape drug,” although the incidents don’t always get reported but have been posted on social media.
RCMP say they’re teaming up with local club owners and Central Vancouver Island Crime Stoppers for a public awareness campaign to warn bar patrons about “the dangers of tampered drinks and mixing alcohol with recreational drug use.”
Police say in a news release that they’re considering “specialized drink covers” as well as educational coasters, and Crime Stoppers posters designed by students at Vancouver Island University are being put up in club washrooms.
RCMP spokesman Gary O’Brien says the campaign is about recognizing community concerns about drink tampering, and police are committed to catching the people responsible.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 12, 2025.