Fears have been voiced of a significant increase in the number of incidents in Kerry where drinks are being spiked, leading to very sinister attacks of a sexual nature.
A meeting of the Joint Policing Committee this Friday heard that Kerry teenagers have told of frightening incidents occurring and An Garda Siochana have been asked to investigate the matter.
Cllr Michael Cahill said he is hearing “very worrying reports” that the problem is on the increase.
“I’m told that people might have had just one or two drinks but the next thing is they wake up the following morning in a place they shouldn’t be and something has happened that shouldn’t have happened,” he said.
“It isn’t just young girls that are being targeted, it’s young boys too,” he added.
Cllr Cahill said it’s a horrendous crime an it’s a terrible reflection on society.
He asked the meeting to consider ways to create more education about the dangers and he said colleges and students should be informed of the threat.
Cllr Cahill said nightclub operators and publicans can also play an important role in creating awareness and being more alert to the dangers.
Kerry Chief Superintendent Padraic Powell said, to the best of his knowledge, there has only been one case of spiking reported to An Garda Siochana and he stressed that any complaints should be made as soon as possible as it would be important in terms of obtaining blood tests and other matters.
Cllr Cahill said he can understand why people might be slow in reporting such matters given the personal nature of what is involved.
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