FALMOUTH, Mass. – Falmouth police are warning the public about the dangers of drinking as investigators investigate an incident at a local establishment, police said Wednesday.
Drink spiking is when a perpetrator puts drugs or alcohol in your drink without your knowledge, often with harmful substances that affect your behavior and awareness of your surroundings.
A preliminary investigation found the Cape Cod establishment in the recent case “is not responsible for the alleged incident,” police said in a statement. The police did not identify the establishment where the alleged drinking incident took place.
Police said so-called “date-rape drugs” are most commonly used to get a drink high before a sexual assault. Date violation medications may come in powder or liquid form, and may not have an unusual taste or odor.
As a result, if your drink has been spiked, you’re unlikely to see, smell or taste any difference, police said. Some medications, such as GHB, may taste slightly salty or have an unusual smell.
If you think your drink has been tampered with, don’t drink it; tell a trusted friend or family member or establishment staff immediately.
Police advise anyone who begins to feel strange or more intoxicated than normal while socializing or eating out to get help immediately. Call or text a close friend or family member, and notify a server or waiter, a medical professional, and the police.
If you’re not with anyone, call 911 or get help, police advised. If you feel unwell, someone you trust should call 911 immediately and tell medical services that you suspect your drinking has been spiked.
Report the incident to the police as soon as possible, police said.
To avoid being a victim of a tampered drink, the police advise:
• Never leave your drink unattended and keep an eye on your friends’ drinks.
• Only accept drinks from someone you trust or a server.
• Consider sticking to bottled drinks and avoiding punch bowls or cocktail jugs.
• Before you go out, let someone know where you are going and what time you expect to be home.
• Make plans for your trip home.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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