Stir stick that detects spiked drinks developed by UBC researchers
Activist says other drug testing tools are marketed to individuals in a problematic way
Researchers at the University of British Columbia say they have developed a new tool to detect common drink-spiking drugs.
They say they plan to test the device, known as Spikeless, in the hopes it will one day be used widely to combat drugs being added to drinks and to prevent sexual assaults.
The university said in a news release that the "seemingly ordinary stir stick" can detect drugs such as GHB and ketamine within 30 seconds, changing colour if a beverage is contaminated.
Sasha Santos, an anti-violence activist working with the researchers on the project, says the technology has the potential to be a game-changer, adding that other drug testing tools are marketed to customers in a problematic way.
"In the anti-violence sector, you know, there's a lot of very strong feelings about people who are being targeted with violence being told that the burden of safety is on them, and that they have to buy more and do more to protect themselves constantly," she said.
Santos says targeting the hospitality industry at large, including bars, pubs, clubs and other party venues where drinks flow freely, means patrons can have access to a simple drug testing tool for "every cocktail on every table."
"The idea is that it'll be completely ubiquitous," she said. "Every drink leaving the bar will have a stick in it. Every drink will be stirred, every drink will be tested, every drink will be safe."
Recent warnings issued by police
The UBC news release highlighted a 2023 study that found approximately 10 per cent of women and sexual minorities, and about four per cent of heterosexual men have experienced drink spiking.
Stacey Forrester with Good Night Out Vancouver, an advocacy group that focuses on sexual violence prevention, says sexual assault remains "widely underreported."
"Since Good Night started in 2016, we have not gone a month where we don't hear at least one story," Forrester said.
"It is very common for survivors to send us a message because they're not sure about their options or they maybe don't want to make a police report."
In January, RCMP in B.C.'s Elk Valley issued a public warning after receiving four separate reports of drinks being spiked in the community of Fernie.
Earlier this month, police in Nanaimo, B.C., announced a public awareness campaign with local bar owners and Crime Stoppers over "several reports" of drinks being drugged at local nightclubs.
Nanaimo RCMP said people had reported consuming a drink and immediately having trouble breathing and feeling unwell, with some seeking medical attention for nausea and light-headedness.
Police said in a news release that they were considering "specialized drink covers" as well as educational coasters, and Crime Stoppers posters designed by students at Vancouver Island University were being put up in club washrooms.
Forrester commended the UBC researchers for their efforts to reduce gender-based violence and says she welcomes any tool that can minimize the risk of drug-related assaults.
She adds that education and training to help keep patrons safe are also important.
"I think there is a general consensus that the community wants to step into a nightclub or into a pub and know that that space has their back.... Any time we put the responsibility on the individual, it's a very dangerous game to play."
With files from Pinki Wong and The Canadian Press