About This Article
Zoom Testing has provided drug testing products and practical testing guidance in the UK for more than 20 years. This article was originally published in 2018 and reports on the sharp rise in drink-spiking reports recorded in Devon and Cornwall at that time, together with a police initiative launched in Plymouth.
Published: 25 October 2018 | Last Updated: 22 August 2026 | By: Anthony Cunningham
Police figures reported in 2018 highlighted a sharp increase in drink-spiking reports in Devon and Cornwall. There were four reports in 2015, rising to 39 in 2016 and 76 in 2017, representing a nineteen-fold increase in recorded reports over two years.
At the time, police said they were investigating the reasons behind the increase and urged people to remain vigilant and report suspected incidents.
Although these particular figures related only to Devon and Cornwall, concerns about drink spiking were also being reported elsewhere in the UK.
In response to the increase in reports, police launched a pilot scheme in Plymouth, where many of the incidents had been recorded. Local clubs and bars were involved in an initiative intended to help police gather evidence more quickly following suspected drink-spiking incidents.
The scheme formed part of wider efforts to improve early evidence gathering and help police investigate reported incidents.
Understanding the extent of the UK’s drink-spiking problem
Signs of drink spiking can include confusion or disorientation, nausea or vomiting, poor coordination, visual problems, difficulty communicating, memory loss and blackouts.
Looking across the UK more generally, figures obtained by Sky News in 2018 through Freedom of Information requests showed that recorded reports of drink spiking had more than doubled since 2015.
Spiking is a criminal offence. Depending on the circumstances and offence involved, serious cases can carry substantial prison sentences.
One of the difficulties in investigating drink spiking is that some incidents are not reported immediately. Symptoms may initially be mistaken for the effects of alcohol, meaning that someone may only suspect what happened several hours later.
Current police guidance is to report suspected spiking as soon as possible because some substances can leave the body quickly. However, an incident should still be reported even if several hours or days have passed, as other evidence may remain available and some substances can be detected for longer.
The setting in which spiking occurs can also affect whether someone feels comfortable reporting what happened. Incidents at private parties or gatherings, for example, may involve people known to the person affected, which can make reporting particularly difficult.
What to do if you suspect drink spiking
If you or someone you are with becomes unexpectedly unwell and spiking is suspected, seek help from venue staff or someone you trust. Get medical assistance if necessary and report the incident to the police as soon as possible. Early reporting can improve the chances of identifying a substance, but it is still worth reporting an incident if some time has passed.
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About the Author
Anthony Cunningham, BA (Hons), MA, is a UK-based drug testing expert and editor with over 20 years’ experience running Zoom Testing, a trusted source for accurate drug testing kits and testing guidance. He creates clear, evidence-based articles using UK legislation, workplace compliance standards, and harm reduction best practices. Where possible, content is reviewed by testing specialists and compliance professionals to enhance accuracy and reliability, helping readers make informed testing decisions.
