Police reveal individual was spiked at Belladrum 2022 — here are the signs you’ve been spiked
REVELLERS gearing up for this year’s eagerly anticipated Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival are being urged to remain vigilant over the risk of ‘spiking’.
The warning from a Highland MSP follows an inquiry which reveals a report of the “horrific” crime was made to the police in relation to the 2022 event.
This year’s three-day event begins on Thursday and will be attended by tens of thousands of people.
‘Spiking’ is when someone puts alcohol or drugs into another person’s drink or body without their consent or knowledge. People can also be a victim of ‘needle spiking’, which is injecting someone with drugs without their consent.
Spiking can happen to anyone, anywhere and can be carried out by strangers or people you know. The single offence of spiking can carry sentences of up to 10 years in prison.
“Spiking is a horrific crime that can leave a lasting, sometimes life-changing impact on the victim,” said MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, Maree Todd. “Ahead of Belladrum and other events in the Highlands this summer, it’s important to be safe and alert to the dangers of spiking, and know what steps to take if they suspect they or one of their friends have been spiked.”
Mrs Todd, who is a qualified mental health pharmacist, is keen to spread awareness.
The Highland MSP continued: “Though reported spiking incidents are relatively low, it’s suspected that many cases go unreported as victims often do not realise what has happened until much later.
“Just recently, I was speaking with a constituent who, despite keeping an eye on her drink, had it spiked at a local nightclub when she briefly turned away. Fortunately, a friend saw what happened and intervened before she took a sip.”
In 2021, the Scottish Government introduced the Equally Safe Strategy which focuses on advancing gender equality and tackling the underlying attitudes that create the societal conditions for gender-based violence to flourish.
Superintendent Joanne McEwan said: "We continue to investigate reports from people having been 'spiked' either with a needle or in their drink. Every report is taken seriously and perpetrators are dealt with swiftly and robustly.
“People should be able to go out for a night out without fear of being spiked. We are working with partners to ensure licensed premises are safe spaces for all, through the continued delivery of Bystander Awareness training. We are also working in partnership with other emergency services, student bodies, Universities/Colleges and Third Sector organisations to raise awareness and provide support for anyone affected.
“We would encourage anyone who believes they have had their drink spiked or been assaulted in this way to contact Police Scotland on 101, or in an emergency 999."
The effects of drink spiking vary depending on what you’ve been spiked with. Symptoms may include:
• Lowered inhibitions.
• Loss of balance.
• Feeling sleepy.
• Visual problems.
• Confusion.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Unconsciousness.
If you think a friend has had their drink spiked, and they are showing any of the above symptoms, this is how to help:
• Tell a bar manager, bouncer or member of staff.
• Stay with them and keep talking to them.
• Call an ambulance if their condition deteriorates.
• Don’t let them go home on their own.
• Don’t let them leave with someone you don’t know or trust.
• Don’t let them drink more alcohol — this could lead to more serious problems.
• Report the incident to the police by calling 999 or 101.
