NEWS RELEASE
GUELPH POLICE SERVICE
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The Guelph Police Service is investigating after receiving information from the University of Guelph about female students possibly having their drinks spiked with an unknown substance.
Two of the complaints are related to a recent house party in the south end of Guelph and two are related to a small on-campus gathering last month. The Guelph Police Service has opened an investigation and will work collaboratively with campus police to investigate the allegations.
No assaults or physical injuries were reported.
The Guelph Police Service reminds residents to be cautious and aware of their surroundings. If anyone has information about the incidents, or believes they might be victims, they are asked to call Sergeant Jeff Taylor of the Guelph Police Service Special Victims Unit at 519-824-1212, ext. 7333, email him here, leave an anonymous message for Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or leave an anonymous tip online here.
What are the best safeguards?
- Avoid situations you are uncomfortable with
- Never accept a drink from someone you don’t completely trust
- Do not drink something you didn’t see being opened or poured
- Don’t leave your drink unattended
- Remember substances can be placed in any beverage, not just alcohol
- When drinking from a bottle keep your thumb over the top
How can you tell if you’ve been drugged?
- If you are drinking, be aware of your alcohol tolerance
- The symptoms vary, but victims often report blurred vision and memory loss
- Effects can start within minutes of consuming the drink
What are the warning signs?
- Feeling dizzy or faint
- Feeling sick or sleepy
- Feeling intoxicated or confused after consuming a small amount of alcohol
- Passing out
- Waking up feeling uncomfortable or disoriented, with memory blanks
What to do if you believe you have been drugged
- If you begin to feel drunk after one or two drinks, seek help from a trusted friend or staff member of the establishment and get to a place of safety as soon as possible
- Report the incident to police as soon as possible. Most drugs leave the system very quickly, so the sooner an incident is reported the more likely testing can confirm their presence.
