BOSTON — The Boston Police Department urged residents, students and visitors to guard against drink spiking over Halloween weekend. It warned that large crowds expected at bars, house parties and seasonal events could give people a chance to slip drugs into drinks unnoticed.

In a public safety notice, police said drugs such as Rohypnol, GHB and ketamine are typically colorless, odorless and nearly tasteless, so they can be added to a drink without anyone noticing. The drugs can cause sudden disorientation, impaired judgment, loss of consciousness or temporary paralysis, the department said.

Police recommended accepting drinks only when they are handed over directly by licensed bar staff or servers, and not drinking shared drinks or open drinks offered by strangers. They told people never to leave a drink unattended, and to take it along or throw it out when stepping away from a table or going to the restroom. The department also suggested drink covers or rapid test strips designed to detect common tampering drugs.

Anyone who suddenly feels unexplained dizziness, severe nausea or confusion, or seems far more intoxicated than the alcohol they have had would explain, should get medical help or alert staff right away, police said. The department also urged people to use a buddy system, watching for strangers who try to separate an impaired friend and helping anyone who appears vulnerable, distressed or disoriented.

Anyone who suspects a drink has been tampered with, or who sees suspicious behavior in or near entertainment venues, should call 911, police said. The department urged people who believe they were drugged to seek emergency medical care and report it promptly.

This brief was drafted by AI from a public agency or political press release and published by The New England Signal. Why we use AI for stories like this one.