What is vape spiking? How to protect yourself as cases quadruple

Experts are warning about the danger of vape spiking, with devices found laced with substances other than nicotine, such as spice and THC.

Figures, from police forces in England and Wales, obtained by The i under freedom of information laws, found the number of recorded vape spiking incidents has quadrupled since 2022.

Just two incidents were reported in both 2020 and 2021, with three in 2022.

This soared to 14 last year. Ten incidents were logged between January and May alone this year.

The Metropolitan Police also issued a warning over the devices at an event about tackling spiking earlier this year as reports increased by 13% in 2023, with the number of allegations made reaching 1,383.

As vapes continue to rise in popularity, the force revealed it is increasingly common to come across devices that contain chemicals other than nicotine, including THC, the psychoactive found in cannabis, and spice, the street name for the class of drugs known as synthetic cannabinoids.

Further figures from Stamp Out Spiking’s October 2022 poll, of 2,067 UK adults, found that of those who had been spiked, or knew someone who had been spiked, 3% of these were spiking through a vape.

There is also concern that school children may be unknowingly smoking vapes spiked with the drug spice, following an investigation by the University of Bath.

Out of 596 confiscated vapes tested across 38 schools in England, one in six (16.6%) contained it, the study found.

The study also found roughly 1 in 100 (1.17%) of vapes tested contained THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis.

What is vape spiking?

Spiking is when a substance is put into a person’s body through a drink or injection without their consent. Vape spiking occurs when an e-cigarette contains unexpected intoxicants, either via accepting a vape that has other substances in it or when the vape itself has been tampered with.

Both spice, the street name for the class of drugs known as synthetic cannabinoids and THC, the psychoactive found in cannabis, can pose significant health risks, particularly when used inappropriately or unknowingly, such as when added to vapes.

Health impacts include potential anxiety, respiratory issues and even kidney damage.

While the Met Police has identified THC and spice as the main contributors, there have been over 100 different drugs identified in cases of vape spiking, with reports of substances made in labs which can cause chest pains, seizures, extreme anxiety and suicidal thoughts.

Last year a festival-goer described "losing control" of her body after she was allegedly given a poisonous vape.

Chloe Hammerton, then 26, from Southampton, was taken ill at the Isle of Wight Festival after she said she took a puff from a vape offered by a stranger.

She decided to open up about her story in a bid to raise awareness of the dangers of spiked vapes.

Commenting on the importance of vape spiking awareness experts at HAYPP say: “Festival-goers, especially younger individuals, may be more vulnerable to the risks of vape spiking. It's crucial to be proactive about ensuring the safety of your vaping equipment - people need to know how to identify if a vape has been tampered with, and what to do if you believe you’ve been spiked.

"This isn’t to say your fun should be overshadowed by the looming fear of spiking, rather, it’s about generating awareness for a growing issue and taking the steps to avoid it to cultivate a happier, and safer, vaping community.”

How to protect yourself from vape spiking

Avoid sharing vapes

"Whilst you may know what's in your own vape, you don’t know what someone else has put in theirs, or where it’s come from - especially when it comes to sharing reusable e-cigarettes, as they can be filled manually with any liquid," the HAYPP expert explains.

Check your vape

It is also vital to look over your vape to ensure it hasn’t been tampered with. "Look for any unusual marks, scratches, or any signs of wear and tear or mismatched parts should raise a red flag and could suggest your vape has been manipulated," the expert adds.

If it's reusable, check your pod to see if the top has been removed, or if liquid has been added or discarded.

"When you buy a vape, it should be clear and consistent with the flavour you bought, so look for any discolouration or unusual substances that might suggest that the liquid has been replaced," the HAYPP expert advises.

Test your vape

It’s also advisable to bring a testing kit with you in case you suspect your vape has been spiked.

Store your vape securely

When not in use, it is important to store vapes in a secure place to prevent unauthorised access and tampering.

Dispose of vapes safely

There are specific guidelines to follow when it comes to vape disposal.

"All household waste and recycling centres have bins for electricals and batteries," the HAYPP expert advises. "If you can safely remove the battery from your vape, recycle it separately. If you can’t, you should be able to just put the entire vape in one of these bins."

How to spot if you've been vape spiked

There are some sure signs to decipher if you have been spiked, these can include; shortness of breath, nausea, coughing, or fatigue.

If you have any of these symptoms, or are just generally concerned that you may have been spiked, please seek medical attention.

"Most festivals have designated medical areas, so head directly to the nearest first aid or medical tent and inform the staff that you suspect you have been spiked," the HAYPP expert advises.

"If you can, try to retain any remaining evidence of the spiked vape as this can be helpful for medical professionals and authorities in getting to the bottom of the incident."

If you discover that your vape has been tampered with or contains harmful substances, report it to the relevant authorities immediately to help prevent further incidents.

"Knowledge is your best defence - stay informed about the potential risks associated with vaping and remain vigilant about the safety of your vaping equipment," the expert adds.

"Locate festival security or medical staff and report immediately should you identify a spiked vape. They are trained to take the necessary steps to ensure yours and others safety.”

Where to get help if you have been spiked

Being spiked can be an awful thing to experience, but help is out there.

Depending on the circumstances you may be offered support via the police or healthcare service and victims can also reach out to Stamp out Spiking, Victim Support (08 08 16 89 111) or The Samaritans for advice and someone to talk to.

There may also be local specialist support services that can listen and support.

If you are in urgent danger call 999.

Spiking: read more

• What to do if your friend is a victim of spiking as new protection measures are launched (Yahoo Life UK, 6-min read)

• Drink spiking: The terrifying trend that women are getting the blame for (Yahoo Life UK, 4-min read)

• Drink spiking experience left woman 'covered in blood with no memory of what happened' (Yahoo Life UK, 6-min read)