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People in Bahrain, particularly women and children, are being urged to avoid accepting ready-made beverages from strangers and to remain vigilant in public places for their safety.
Speaking on the Interior Ministry’s Al Aman social media programme, Hidd Police Station head Colonel Dr Osama Bahar urged parents to ensure their children are cared for only by people they fully trust.
He also advised parents to educate their children on how to protect themselves and stay away from potential danger.
The warning follows increasing cases of drink spiking being reported in different parts of the world over the last few years. Drink spiking is the act of adding alcohol or drugs to a person’s drink without their knowledge or consent.
Col Dr Bahar stressed that such incidents are non-existent in Bahrain, but authorities are taking preventive steps to ensure public safety.
“Teach your children to be in safe public places and only with trustworthy friends and family members you know well,” he said.
“They should learn not to accept any drinks that are already prepared. This advice applies to adults as well, especially women.
“Teach your children that if they start to feel dizzy or unwell, they should call their parents immediately and inform them of their location.
“When collecting them, check their condition carefully and, if necessary, take them to a medical facility or hospital without delay.”
Col Dr Bahar added that strict laws are in place, with offenders facing imprisonment.
“Certain substances used to spike drinks can cause temporary loss of awareness or consciousness and are toxic and potentially lethal,” he said.
“Perpetrators will be dealt with in accordance with the laws of the kingdom and could face life imprisonment if convicted of murder or attempted murder.
“These acts will not be treated as mere mischief. Given the danger posed by such substances, they are classified as felonies.
“A blood test alone is sufficient to establish the crime.”
Col Dr Bahar also offered advice on how people – particularly women and children – can protect themselves, stressing the importance of rejecting drinks from strangers.
“Politely refuse any drink from an unknown person,” he said.
“Remain in public areas in trusted settings and avoid seeking help from strangers.
“If anything happens, contact your family or friends immediately. If that is not possible, call the police.
“The authorities will support and protect you, and will reach you wherever you are.”
If you or someone you are with suspects a drink has been spiked, act without delay. Move to a safe, well-lit area with a trusted companion, inform venue staff, and do not accept assistance or transport from strangers.
Call emergency services on 999 if symptoms worsen, or visit the closest emergency department. If symptoms become severe – such as loss of consciousness, confusion, vomiting or breathing difficulties – call local emergency services or an ambulance immediately.
As many substances used in drink spiking leave the body quickly, sometimes within 12 hours, it is crucial to undergo medical evaluation and testing at a hospital or clinic as soon as possible.
Almost one million UK adults were victims of drink spiking last year, according to a study.
In what is the most comprehensive survey on the crime so far, around two per cent of Britons polled last year reported being a victim of spiking in the previous 12 months, which would equate to nearly one million people if reflective of the population at large.
Women were found to be the most likely victims (58 per cent), while 25-to 34-year-olds reported the highest number of incidents.
The poll was undertaken by YouGov in summer 2025 and involved 7,256 British adults.
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