University Volume 25 | Issue 5 | Tuesday 9th November 2021
Express
UCCExpress.ie
Needle Spiking: an Epidemic for Cork?
As of October 23rd, the National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC) had collected 198 reports of drink spiking, in addition to the 56 reports of incidents involving a needle. It has been reported that spiking by injection carries extra risks as unclean or shared needles pose threats of HIV/AIDS and other dangerous diseases.
CIARA BROWNE Deputy News Editor There have been several reports in recent weeks of people being injected with drugs without their knowledge in bars and nightclubs across Ireland and the UK. The attacks have primarily targeted young women, typically in their early twenties, and the most common areas are pubs and clubs that college students are attending.
Image Credit: Irish Times
Locally, the drug issue gets more serious as there are cannabis jellies circulating the Cork area. Cork has been appointed a new chief to tackle “the scourge” of drugs in the City. Chief Superintendent Tom Myers is replacing Barry McPolin in the role, following McPolin’s retirement from the force in recent weeks after 38 years of service. Chief Superintendent Myers told the Evening Echo that “the scourge of drugs present in every community and Cork City is no different.” Myers was head of the drug squad in Cork and will be working to ensure An Garda Síochána in Cork City are targeting those involved at local and national levels in the sale and supply of drugs. There is significant concern regarding the amount of cannabis jellies circulating the City and people are being urged to reject any offerings of jellies.
(ISSU) is stressing the importance of students being equipped with the knowledge to better help themselves and look out for their friends too. UCC Bystander organised an event in response to the spiking issue which took place on November 4th at the Quad. UCC Bystander wants students to #TakeBackTheSpike and educate themselves on what is spiking, important things to know, and most importantly what is happening NOW to students. In addition to new spiking issues, old fashioned Nightlife opening back up is an exciting spiking by the use of powders, dissolving time for students, however, with the recent tablets, and liquids in drinks continues to be an incidents, it is more important than ever ongoing issue. The Student’s Union President that students have awareness of what is of Munster Technological University in happening around them. There are signs Kerry, Chris Clifford, has said that they are that can be detected if someone has been aware of at least six students who had their spiked and recognition of these signs drink spiked during their freshers’ week.
The consequences of the spikings are that vitims become disorientated whilst out socialising with their friends and discover physical bruising, possibly caused by a needle prick, the following morning. An Garda Síochána is advising victims of similar incidents or any form of ‘drug spiking’ to report the incident to local Garda. This issue comes after the recent lifting of most can help prevent hospitalisation. These Gardaí are urging students to contact the Covid-19 restrictions on late bars and clubs. signs may include dizziness, slurring HSE or their local doctor if they have been The Irish Second-level Students’ Union of words, memory loss or a loss of injected, spiked, or consumed cannabis jellies. consciousness, nausea, and hallucinations. Continued on Page 3