Wiltshire Police begin on-the-spot vape testing in schools amid fears of Spice contamination

Wiltshire Police have begun using new testing technology in schools to check for contaminated vapes, as part of a proactive crackdown on the growing national concern over vapes laced with Spice — a potent synthetic drug.

Working in partnership with Bath University, Swindon Borough Council, and Wiltshire Council, the force is aiming to identify and contain any risk posed to schoolchildren by the rising trend of tampered vaping products, particularly those containing Spice or THC.

Though the county has not yet seen a surge in contaminated devices, police confirm there have been isolated cases where young people required hospital treatment after suspected exposure. Investigations are ongoing into how these vapes were obtained.

“We want to find out if any of these vapes have THC or Spice in them, which could help us form a hotspot map where there are concerns in the local communities and where it is suspected that children are accessing these contaminated vapes. We can then look at what actions we might take, such as warrants and working with Trading Standards,” said PCSO Jon Akehurst.

He added, “We are not looking at taking any punitive action towards students. We want to make sure that they have the right support; within Wiltshire we would use Connect, and in Swindon we would use U-turn. We would refer the young person to that youth service so that they can have an honest conversation with somebody around substance misuse and what the dangers are.”

Spice, a lab-made psychoactive substance which mimics the effect of cannabis but with much stronger effects, can cause sudden and severe health issues, and has raised alarm among school leaders for its unpredictable effects on students’ behaviour and wellbeing. Reports of aggression, dizziness, vomiting, and even seizures have surfaced nationally, prompting schools to welcome the police initiative.

“Schools have been really supportive of this work. We want to make sure schools know what service we are offering and how to contact us, as well as being able to have open conversations with us if they think they have a concern,” said PCSO Akehurst.

“I’d urge parents to have conversations with your child about the dangers and risks as well as what happens if they do use a vape which is contaminated with something.”

He stressed the importance of early intervention: “You may have a substance addiction; you might need it constantly, it’s going to cost you money, and you could end up in debt. There are real-life consequences for anyone taking drugs. If you are concerned about your child, there are people that can help and support you.”

Wiltshire Police say they remain vigilant but hopeful, noting that their county has so far avoided the scale of the problem seen in some other parts of the country.

Last year, an investigation by the University of Bath and partners has found that school children are unknowingly smoking vapes spiked with Spice.