Met Police trials vape-spiking detection tech

The Metropolitan Police Service has stepped up its fight against spiking in London’s nightlife venues with the introduction of new vape-spiking detection kits, part of a wider campaign to protect the public – particularly women and girls – from drug-fuelled attacks.

The technology, now being trialled in bars, clubs and even party boats along the Thames, can rapidly test vapes suspected of containing illicit substances such as THC or Spice. Police say reports of tampered vapes being shared or handed out in social settings are increasing, with some incidents resulting in hospitalisation.

Between March 2024 and March 2025, the Met received more than 2,000 allegations of spiking – around 150 a month. Two-thirds of recent victims have been women, with Westminster and the West End accounting for over a sixth of cases. Officers warn that the true scale of the crime is likely far higher due to underreporting.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ben Russell said the new vape-testing kits are a vital addition to the Met’s toolkit.

“Spiking is an abhorrent crime that we are tackling head on, whether it takes place in a nightclub, a private venue, or on the Thames,” he said. “The ongoing trial of new vape spiking detection kits is just one example of how we are innovating to get ahead of offenders and better protect the public.”

The vape-testing equipment is being deployed alongside other mobile drug-testing technologies, including near infra-red detectors capable of analysing powders and tablets on the spot. Officers are also trialling early evidence kits for drink and drug testing to help secure quicker prosecutions.

The operation – codenamed Albenga – is led by the Met’s Marine Support Unit, which is responsible for policing 47 miles of the River Thames. The unit has been patrolling party boats during Freshers’ Week, carrying out safety checks, engaging with partygoers and using the new vape detection equipment.

The initiative ties into the Met’s wider strategy to tackle violence against women and girls (VAWG), with charge rates for VAWG-related offences tripling in the last three years.

The government is also backing the crackdown. Minister for safeguarding and VAWG Jess Phillips confirmed funding for a national Spiking Intensification Week, which aims to raise awareness and help police forces adopt new tactics. A new standalone criminal offence of spiking is also in the pipeline.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan welcomed the move, saying: “The operations and new technology being used by the Met send a clear message that there is a zero-tolerance approach to spiking in London and we continue to work closely with a wide range of partners to make London’s night-time venues welcoming to women and a no-go-zone for perpetrators.”

A recent study has found that up to a quarter of vapes confiscated from secondary schools in England contained the synthetic drug Spice. Researchers analysed almost 2,000 e-cigarettes and liquids seized from 114 schools, discovering spice in 13 per cent of samples overall – but nearly double that rate in London and Lancashire.

Despite many being marketed as cannabis-derived, just 1.2 per cent of the seized products actually contained THC. The researchers also flagged a thriving black market on social media, with TikTok and Instagram accounts openly selling spice-laced liquids to young people.

Spice, often sold as a low-cost substitute for THC, is highly addictive. Withdrawal symptoms have been described as being on par with heroin withdrawal.