Government of Jersey

Reports of drink spiking (FOI)

Produced by the Freedom of Information office
Authored by States of Jersey and published on 01 February 2019.
Prepared internally, no external costs.

Request

Please provide the number of instances of recorded drink 'spiking' incidents (suspected or confirmed) recorded by the Police, Ambulance Service / Hospital or other relevant authority over the past five years. If possible, provide the drug used. For the past year, please break this down by month.

Please confirm the number of instances, broken down by year, someone has been found and / or charged for possession of Rohypnol and / or other 'date rape' drugs.

Over this five year period, please state how many people have been convicted for 'spiking' another's drink.

Response

The offence of ‘Administer drugs to obtain intercourse’ can be considered in these cases however, if the events go on to include a sexual assault, this would likely be the charge if no evidence of a drug was found. The time for detecting any such substance is limited and may not be detectable after 12 to 24 hours.

Since January 2013, the States of Jersey Police have received 13 reports alleging that a drink or drinks have been ‘Spiked’ whist the subject was out in licensed premises. Reports were received in March, August and October 2018.

None of the reports resulted in the identification of any substance such as Rohypnol or GHB following a urine sample or blood test. Consequently, no cases have resulted in any evidence of such ‘drink spiking’ and no criminal proceedings have been commenced for this specific offence. In two of the 2018 cases, enquiries into alleged sexual assault have been completed with no charges being brought. Alcohol was detected in all cases.

Whilst it has not been possible to bring any prosecutions in this area thus far, the States of Jersey Police would remind everyone of the need to be cautious and aware when drinking from open vessels in the night time economy. Intelligence would suggest that from time to time, drugs such as these may have been circulating in Jersey and patrons are therefore reminded not to leave their drinks unattended and to be on the look-out for any such suspicious behaviour.