More than 2,000 complaints about vape spiking were made in the year to March, as GMB reports
New vape-spiking detection equipment is being deployed across London as part of a major police crackdown, targeting bars, clubs, and even party boats.
Children as young as 14 were admitted to hospital after cannabis products were placed in vapes in a case in south-east London, according to the Metropolitan Police.
The cutting-edge technology, already used at nightclubs, festivals, concerts, and schools, can quickly test for substances like THC or spice, the force claims.
Vape tampering is a growing concern, especially as vapes are often shared among young people or handed out in social settings.
Between March 2024 and March 2025, over 2,000 spiking incidents were reported to the Met.
But police believe the real number is likely much higher due to under-reporting.
The force also said crime disproportionately affects women and girls, with 66% of victims in August 2025 being female.
Offenders are most active in and around busy nightlife venues, with 17% of reports linked to Westminster and the West End.
The Met Police was joined by Home Office minister Jess Phillips on Thursday as they led an operation patrolling party boats on the Thames
The boats are popular with students during Freshers Week, and the operation involved police conducting safety checks with the vape-spiking detection equipment.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner at the Metropolitan Police, Ben Russell said the crime is “abhorrent” and that the new vape-spiking detection kits are only one part of their strategy to tackle it.
Mobile drug-testing tools are also being used in schools, including near infra-red detectors for identifying powders and tablets – technology supported by a mobile app for rapid analysis.
Mr Russell said: “We saw an appalling case in south-east London with a number of children as young as 14 years old hospitalised because cannabis products were placed into their vapes.”
He added: “If you think you’ve been spiked, please come forward – being spiked is never your fault, it’s always the fault of the perpetrator. The sooner we know, the more we can do to support you, collect evidence and stop dangerous offenders from targeting others.”
Home Office minister Jess Phillips said more must be done to protect young people during events like Freshers Week.
“We are determined to tackle the vile crime of spiking,” she said.
“We are also working with bars, pubs and clubs to roll out specialist training for staff and introducing a new criminal offence for spiking to bring more perpetrators to justice.”
She confirmed the government is investing £100,000 in the national initiative to fund “the intensification and the assessment of what schemes work”.
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