In Lithuanian entertainment venues, drugging and attempted drugging are increasingly common, and the question of how to protect yourself is always relevant, but both the police and NGOs admit that not always the owners of entertainment venues are willing to cooperate.
In Klaipėda, the police have implemented a preventive campaign, distributing special adhesive caps for glasses on the streets to prevent drugs from being added to drinks. Klaipėda County Police spokesperson Aurelija Studencova noted that the caps for glasses are an effective means of protection.
In Vilnius, the citizens’ initiative group Night Office is working to improve the security situation. 27 bars and nightclubs have signed an agreement to train staff to be able to recognize threats and dangerous situations. Project manager Emīlija Gaidytė admits that involvement could be better. She noted that some venues are not acknowledging the problem, adding that the threat exists not only in public places, but also when meeting friends.
The Night Office is promoting the use of a phrase used elsewhere in the world to let venue staff know that a dangerous situation has arisen – patrons can order a drink called an “Angel Shot” to ask for help. The organization is also urging venues to use disposable tests that show the most common drugs used to spike drinks.
However, they do not show all dangerous substances, such as sleeping pills.
Additional safety measures have been introduced in nightclubs after reports of possible spiking. Karolis Šlikas, the manager of the Opium nightclub, said toxicologists monitor events at his clubs every weekend, and a larger team is involved at larger events. Šlikas’ nightclubs also have disposable glass caps and tests available. Staff tranings are also conducted, however, according to the manager, not everyone can participate in them due to studies or day jobs.
Professor Snieguolė Matulienė of Mykolas Romeris University advised reading reviews on the internet before going to a nightclub – they spread quickly, and in such cases you can find instructions not to go to a particular bar or avoid a particular nightclub. The professor also pointed out that glass caps will not always prevent spiking – sometimes it is enough that drugs have got on a straw.
In cases where there is suspicion of possible spiking, people are urged to immediately contact doctors and the police. Currently, there are no accurate statistics on the number of spiking cases in Lithuania, as victims often do not report it.
Read the whole article in English here: https://www.lrt.lt/en/news-in-english/19/2707006/angel-shots-tests-and-drink-covers-lithuania-s-nightlife-takes-on-drink-spiking-threat
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