Salem Police Issue 'Drink-Spiking' Warning To Bar Patrons

SALEM, MA — Salem police are urging visitors to city bars and restaurants to be extra watchful and cautious when it comes to their beverages amid increased reports of "drink-spiking" across the state.

Salem police said "although we have not had any recent reports of this illegal activity in Salem" they are aware of the increase in reports elsewhere in Eastern Massachusetts and ask that anyone who believes they have been a victim of that crime call police immediately at 978-744-1212.

"We would like to remind bar patrons to be vigilant and use the 'buddy system,'" police said. "Don't allow someone you don't know to order a drink for you, watch your drink at all times, and keep your drink covered with your hand or something else when you're not looking."

Police also ask that patrons and restaurant workers speak up if they observe someone who may have "spiked" a drink or if they see someone out who appears to be in distress.

Police said so-called "date rape drugs" can be unsuspectingly put in victims' drinks because they are scentless, colorless and tasteless.

Those who drink them often don't know they have ingested them immediately until they later can become disorientated, confused, temporarily paralyzed or fall unconscious.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)