MA Officials Addressing Uptick In Drink Spiking: Report

BOSTON, MA — Nearly a year after Boston police issued a warning about what seemed to be an uptick in drink spiking at local bars, concerns have not subsided — and local officials are doing their part to make a change, according to a Thursday Boston25 report.

Bristol and Norfolk State Senator Paul Feeney, who has been working with survivors, local and state law enforcement, and venue owners and security, filed a bill this year that would require Massachusetts hospitals to test for date rape drugs if a person believes they’ve been drugged, Boston25 reported.

In a notice shared last month, the Boston Police Department reminded community members of the dangers of scentless, colorless, and tasteless drugs such as Rohypnol, also known as roofie, being placed in the drinks of unsuspecting victims.

"Other drugs commonly used in a similar fashion are GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyric acid) or Ketamine," the department wrote. "These 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 suspect."

Feeney told Boston25 that he is discussing with other officials the possibility of state money being used to purchase drink spiking testing strips, which he hopes could be stocked at venues.

In other hopeful news, the outlet found that the Boston Police Department has implemented a change in its internal reporting system to include a marking option for contaminated drinks, which District 1 Boston City Councilor Gabriela Coletta told Boston25 she hopes is "a step toward better identifying where this is happening and the frequency."

Coletta added that the Boston Police Department has also committed to assigning a detective to a case even when they don't believe a sexual assault occurred.

Read the full report at Boston25.

In its notice last month, the Boston Police Department suggested that those gathered in social settings by creating a ‘buddy system’ to prevent getting separated, and to be sure that your drink is being served directly by the bartender or server.

The department also suggested that you:

• Don’t 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.

"Please be aware of any uncharacteristic behavior from your acquaintances and be wary of strangers attempting to lure individuals away from their friends," the department added. "Also, should you observe any individual who appears to be in distress, wandering alone late at night, or dressed unsuitably for the weather, be sure to contact the police immediately."