Date Rape Vapes? Barnstable Police Department Investigates

BARNSTABLE, MA — With the number of "date rape drugs" incidents on the rise, people across the Cape have been warned of the dangers of leaving a drink unattended while at a bar - but now the Barnstable Police Department is warning people that shared vapes may also be a way for someone to sneak in a date rape drug.

Though there have been no assaults reported at this time, the Barnstable Police Department says the number of individuals who told them they had been vaping before developing symptoms consistent with date rape drugs leaves them unable to rule them out.

Based on this new information the Department is urging individuals that are gathering in social settings to not only keep a close watch on their beverages but also to avoid sharing or using vape cartridges from unknown people.

"This is something we're all concerned about," said Barnstable Police Chief Matthew Sonnabend. "[There have been] situations where people have been reporting they've used or shared vape pens with somebody, so we're really looking into the possibility right now that it might not be just within drinks but also within tainted cartridges."

If you have any information regarding individuals or establishments selling or distributing altered vape cartridges please contact Detective Andrew Johnson at johnsona@barnstablepolice.com, Detective Spencer Jackson at jacksons@barnstablepolice.com, or the Barnstable Police Detective Unit at 508-778-3820.