The Metropolitan Police is trialling a suite of innovative new technologies in a major push to counter a worrying surge in spiking offences across London, particularly during the busy festive period.
Portable Kits for Street-Level Detection
Officers have begun using a unique, portable vape testing kit, the only one of its kind, designed by researchers at the University of Bath. The device can quickly analyse an e-cigarette for dangerous psychoactive substances. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ben Russell explained its street-level application: "We can simply ask someone in the street if they want their vape tested, plug it in and tell them straight away if it's got something dangerous in it."
The kit uses coloured lights to indicate results: it turns green for no illicit substances, purple for THC (the psychoactive component in cannabis), and red for the synthetic cannabinoid Spice, often dubbed the 'zombie drug'. A prior study of 596 confiscated vapes found approximately 17% contained Spice, with 1.2% containing THC.
Instant Drug Analysis with a Handheld 'Torch'
In a parallel initiative, the force has equipped officers with a £12,000 handheld device from a company called NIRlab. This tool can accurately identify a substance and its purity by merely being pointed at a bag, without the need to open it and risk officer exposure. "This is gamechanging," stated Mr Russell. "We can just point it at a bag containing a white powder and it will tell us if it is cocaine, ketamine or whatever."
He highlighted the direct link to spiking investigations, noting that people can have various substances, including illegal drugs, introduced into their drinks without their knowledge.
Virtual Reality Training and Rising Reports
Beyond physical detection, the Met has partnered with Meta, the parent company of Facebook, to develop an interactive virtual reality platform. This VR tool is designed to train hospitality staff on how to identify and effectively respond to potential spiking incidents in venues.
The technological push comes as police face a growing problem. The number of spiking reports received by the Met has risen by nine per cent in the past year, with the force now handling more than 2,700 allegations annually. However, authorities acknowledge the crime is hugely underreported and anticipate a further increase over the Christmas and New Year period.
Statistics reveal that two-thirds of spiking victims are women, with over half of all incidents occurring in pubs and bars. A concerning survey suggests almost one in fifty adults believe they may have been a victim of drink spiking in the last 12 months.
Commander Clair Kelland, the Met's public protection lead, emphasised the crime's impact: "Spiking is a frightening crime that can have devastating consequences. No one should feel the need to change their behaviour to protect themselves from becoming a victim of an illegal offence." She encouraged more victims to come forward, stating early reporting is key to identifying offenders and preventing further harm.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Russell expressed hope that the pilot schemes would prove successful, paving the way for the gadgets to be rolled out more widely across police forces in the future.
