Central Vancouver Island Crime Stoppers expanding spiked drink campaign

Published 3:30 pm Tuesday, April 7, 2026

Central Vancouver Island Crime Stoppers is expanding its campaign to address spiked drinks, that started last year after the Nanaimo RCMP received several reports of drinks being tampered with in local nightclubs.

In late March, representatives from the local Crime Stoppers travelled to the Shawnigan Lake RCMP detachment to share resources and discuss prevention strategies. The campaign is designed to educate patrons, bar staff, and the broader community to recognize the signs of drink tampering and understanding the risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption, offering materials to nightclubs and licensed establishments. The material includes posters and beer coasters with clear messaging and practical tips that encourage the public to report suspicious activity.

Reserve Const. Gary O’Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesman and Crime Stoppers coordinator, told the News Bulletin that practical tips include never leaving a drink unattended and never accepting a drink from a stranger.

“If you think your drink has been spiked, do not isolate yourself, stay with your friends, identify who your wing-man or wing-person is for the evening and seek medical attention,” O’Brien said. “It could be a life-threatening situation.”

O’Brien said the campaign also focuses on over-consumption of alcohol and drugs.

“Initially [Shawnigan Lake] members and their officer in charge said, ‘We don’t have an issue with spiked drinks,’ but I said, ‘It’s not neccasarily spiked drinks we’re most concerned about, it’s the kids who are fresh out of high school, coming into your town, or young adults 18-22 demographic who are over-drinking, and recreationally they spot a joint or do a line of coke before going into the bar.”

Not being aware of their body’s own limits, O’Brien said they can find themselves in a situation where they believe their drink has been spiked, when, in reality, the drugs and alcohol are mixing in their system.

“When you’re going out for an evening, if you think you’re going to be drinking alcohol, be smart. Don’t put yourself in a situation that is very hard to get out of.”

To find out more about Crime Stoppers or this initiative, O’Brien asked people to e-mail president@cvicrimestoppers.com.