Key points:
·Reason for action: Cases of e-cigarettes being laced with "cannabis-like products" have emerged in the southeast of the UK capital, leading to a 14-year-old teenager being hospitalized and prompting the police to launch a crackdown.
·Crackdown measures: New detection equipment has been deployed in various public places to test e-cigarettes suspected of containing THC, spice, and other drugs. Near-infrared detectors and other drug screening devices are being used to verify suspicious powders and pills.
·Data: From March 2024 to March 2025, there have been over 2000 cases of e-cigarettes containing drugs being reported, with the police suggesting that the actual scale may be higher due to underreporting. In August 2025, 66% of the victims were female, a higher percentage compared to males.
According to a report from Sky News, the London Metropolitan Police are currently conducting an operation to crackdown on e-cigarettes laced with drugs.
The Metropolitan Police in London stated that the background of this operation was a case in which an e-cigarette was found to be laced with "cannabis products" in the southeast of the capital, resulting in a 14-year-old teenager being hospitalized.
According to authorities, law enforcement officers will use new detection devices to screen e-cigarettes suspected of containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or synthetic cannabinoids (spice) during inspections at bars, nightclubs, party boats, music festivals, concerts, and schools.
The police will also use a series of drug detection devices, including Near-Infrared Spectroscopy detectors that can detect suspected toxic powders and pills.
During the period from March 2024 to March 2025, the London Metropolitan Police received over 2000 reports of e-cigarettes containing drugs. However, authorities believe that the actual scale may be larger due to underreporting.
Women have been disproportionately affected, with females making up 66% of the victims in August 2025.
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