Patrons making the rounds at Nanaimo’s nightclubs and bars are urged by police to keep an extra close eye on their beverages, as Nanaimo RCMP says several incidents were reported last weekend involving spiked drinks..The presumed drink-tampering occurred at various venues in downtown Nanaimo both Friday and Saturday..The first incident, Friday, involved two “severely intoxicated” individuals outside a nightclub, both of whom ended up hospitalized after paramedics and police attended..Following investigation revealed the victims “may have” ingested an intoxicating substance without their knowledge or consent. Police later learned that at least six people had likely ingested spiked drinks..“These situations can occur at anytime and anywhere. As a result, it is extremely important that club-goers be extremely watchful of their drinks,” said Constable Gary O’Brien, Nanaimo RCMP..O’Brien believes there may be other victims who have not yet come forward. Police are asking the public to always keep drinks in sight, never accept drinks from a stranger, and never allow oneself to become isolated if suddenly feeling light-headed, nauseous, or experiencing breathing difficulty..“Alert your friends immediately to the situation and if necessary, seek medical attention,” reads an RCMP statement..Gamma Hydroxybutryate (GHB), sometimes referred to by the more sinister-sounding name, “date rape drug,” is commonly used in a voluntary, recreational manner. However, this is not always the case..When unknowingly ingested with alcohol, the colourless, tasteless substance can cause drowsiness and short-term memory loss. The drug is easy to inconspicuously slip into a drink and has been associated with sexual assaults.
