The Met is stepping up its fight against spiking across London’s bars, clubs, and even party boats on the Thames, using cutting-Edgeedge tech to catch offenders red-handed.
New Tech Targets Vape Spiking and Drugs
Reports of vapes being tampered with and handed around are on england/the-Riserise/”>england/the-rise/”>the rise, sometimes sending victims to hospital. To tackle this, police have rolled out new vape-spiking detection kits capable of quickly testing vapes for drugs like THC and Spice. This tech has already been used at festivals, concerts, and schools.
Alongside the vape detectors, the Met is trialling near-infrared devices that can rapidly test powders and tablets on the spot. This tech is coupled with mobile apps, speeding up drug identification to catch offenders fast.
Operation Albenga Targets Party Boats on the Thames
The Marine Support Unit leads the charge with Operation Albenga, prowling the Thames party boats—popular with students during Freshers’ Week. Officers patrol 47 miles of the Riverriver, checking partygoers, using detection kits, and conducting safety stops right at Westminster Pier.
This operation works hand-in-hand with licensing Teamsteams, drug dogs, night-time economy experts, and the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) squad. Early evidence kits for drugs and drinks boost their chances of securing convictions.
Spiking: A Hidden Crime Targeting Women and Girls
Spiking—stealthily slipping drugs into drinks, food, or vapes—is a vile crime affecting thousands. Between March 2024 and 2025, the Met logged over 2,000 spiking reports, with women making up 66% of victims in August 2025.
Hotspots include Westminster and the West EndWest EndWest End, where nearly one-fifth of reports come from nightlife areas. Despite some reports, experts believe spiking is underreported and far more widespread.
Voices from the Frontline: Policing, Politics, and Support
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ben Russell: “Spiking is abhorrent, and we’re tackling it head on—from nightclubs to party boats. Our vape detection kits are just one way we’re innovating to better protect Londoners. If you believe you’ve been spiked, please come forward. It’s never your fault.”
Minister Jess Phillips: “As Freshers Week kicks off, we’re funding national efforts to raise awareness and back police with new tactics. We’re also rolling out specialist training and new laws to bring spikers to justice.”
Eren Bessim, Safer Business Network: “Working with the Met and venues, we’re empowering frontline staff to spot and stop spiking, making London nightlife safer for all, especially young people.”
Lynne Elliot, White Ribbon UK: “Spiking disproportionately harms women. Men must speak up against such harmful behaviour—it’s not just a one-night issue but part of wider violence against women.”
Spiking Survivor Sharon Gaffka: “Being spiked shatters your autonomy and memory. It’s a brutal crime rooted in power and dominance. The Met’s increased policing and focus on coordination can be a real game changer.”
Michael Kill, Night Time Industries Association: “We back the Met’s tech-led approach to keep venues and patrons safe. Collaboration across police, venues, and communities is vital to deter offenders and support victims.”
Nightlife Policing and Public Support
More than 400 officers have been trained to spot predatory behaviour. The Met also works closely with venues through the Safer Business Network, training over 850 locations in welfare and vulnerability engagement. Partnerships with charities like Drinkaware help staff respond quickly when spiking is suspected.
These efforts follow a national Spiking Intensification Week, aimed at protecting young people starting Universityuniversity.
Speak Out If You’ve Been Spiked
If you think you’ve been a victim of spiking, report it immediately to help police collect crucial evidence and protect others. Call 999 during an emergency or report online through the Met’s official reporting page or dial 111.
The Met has added hundreds of specially trained officers to its VAWG teams, doubling rape charges since 2022 and securing hundreds of stalking protection orders – all part of a stronger, smarter fight to keep London safe.
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