Police investigate reports of University of Guelph students' spiked drinks

The Guelph Police Service is investigating at least four complaints of female students' drinks being spiked with an unknown substance.

Police said it launched an investigation after receiving information from the University of Guelph.

Police said two of the complaints are related to a recent house party in the south end of the city. Two other complaints are related to a small on-campus gathering last month. Police said no assaults or physical injuries were reported.

The local investigation comes after several reports that young women at Western University were drugged and sexually assaulted at a first year residence last weekend. 

The Guelph Police Service is working collaboratively with campus police and are reminding residents to be "cautious and aware of their surroundings."

Anyone who has information about the incidents or believes they might be a victim is asked to:

• Contact Sergeant Jeff Taylor of the Guelph Police Service Special Victims Unit at 519-824-1212, ext. 7333 or email him at jtaylor@guelphpolice.ca.
• Leave an anonymous message for Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or leave an anonymous tip online.

Police safety message

In the statement, police also released the following safety tips.

Best safeguards:

• Avoid situations you are uncomfortable with.
• Never accept a drink from someone you don't completely trust.
• Do not drink something you didn't see being opened or poured.
• Don't leave your drink unattended.
• Remember substances can be placed in any beverage, not just alcohol.
• When drinking from a bottle keep your thumb over the top.

How to tell if you've been drugged:

• Symptoms vary, but victims often report blurred vision and memory loss.
• Effects can start within minutes of consuming the drink.
• If you are drinking, be aware of your alcohol tolerance.

Warning signs:

• Feeling dizzy or faint.
• Feeling sick or sleepy.
• Feeling intoxicated or confused after consuming a small amount of alcohol.
• Passing out.
• Waking up feeling uncomfortable or disoriented, with memory blanks.

Police said if you believe you've been drugged, seek help from a trusted friend or staff member of the establishment, as well as get to safety as soon as possible.

The incident should also be reported to police immediately.

"Most drugs leave the system very quickly, so the sooner an incident is reported the more likely testing can confirm their presence," police said.