Police investigate spiking attempt involving laced "chewing gum"

Monday 02 September 2024

Police are investigating an alleged spiking attempt involving laced "chewing gum" that left a man on oxygen in hospital over the weekend.

The victim shared his experience on social media on Saturday afternoon.

He described how his Friday night out took a dangerous turn after he accepted chewing gum from a male stranger outside a nightclub that caused him to feel "violently sick" and “light-headed”.

Pictured: Spiking is the act of putting a drug in someone's food or drink to make them unconscious, extremely tired, or unable to function normally.

“I didn't think much of it until I bit into it,” the man wrote on social media.  

“It tasted like chewing gum at first and then all of a sudden there was this absolutely intense bitterness, which is a telltale sign it was a drug.” 

Emergency services were called to the scene, and the man was taken to the hospital where he was placed on oxygen for the night. 

Pictured: "I want people to open their eyes to know that this can happen," the man wrote on social media.  

The States of Jersey Police confirmed that the incident was reported to the force and it is now being investigated.

It is the first report of laced chewing gum that police have received.

The force reissued advice not to accept drinks, and in this case food, from strangers.

Pictured: "It is scary, especially for vulnerable young or any women," the man warned. 

A police spokesperson said: “If you are out with friends, stick together and be aware of your surroundings and make sure you have planned your journey home.

“If you do suspect you may have been given a substance and start to feel strange or ill, then seek help from a friend or a member of staff where you are, and go to hospital.

“Report the incident to the police, and remember if it is an emergency, then always call 999.”