Police in Oban are investigating new reports of spiking by injection after two women claimed to have been struck with a needle at separate venues.
The Press and Journal reports that one woman discovered a bruise and what resembles an injection mark on the side of her ribcage. She is said to have felt unwell while out with friends, who were able to take her home safely.
A second woman is reported to have been spiked in a separate incident earlier this month, and was also able to get home safely as she was out with friends and family. Police have been made aware of one of the incidents, and are making enquiries.
Posting anonymously on a local Facebook group, the first woman said: "Sad to be writing one of these posts but unfortunately last night I was spiked and it wasn't via my drink, can't urge people enough to be careful and vigilant while they're out as this can happen to anyone at any time.
"If you think you've been spiked it's important to inform the venue and get yourself home and safe as quickly as possible and get checked out. I've attached a photo of what a needle spike mark looks like, this is on my side/rib area, I'm very lucky I was with people who knew how to help me and got me home safely."
She has since reported the incident to Police Scotland, which has confirmed it is investigating.
A force spokesperson told the P&J: "A police spokesman said: “On Thursday March 16, police received a report of an alleged spiking incident in Oban town centre. which is believed to have taken place the previous weekend. Inquiries into the full circumstances are ongoing and there have been no further reports at this time."
The second woman's aunt raised her situation in the same group a day earlier, writing: "There is a high chance my niece got spiked the other night. Not in a normal way.
"I'm urging her to get checked out, but also warning others as it's quite worrying. If anyone had a strange experience out drinking while they know they didn't drink much I think its best you get checked out and report it to the police.
"Let's say I hope its not what I've heard so please report if anything strange has happened to you or if you know someone. The rare part about it is we think she may have been injected with something rather than put in her drink."
She has not reported the incident to police. The aunt, who posted anonymously, added that she was "trying" to encourage the young woman to do so.
Police were made aware of a number of cases of spiking by injection in late 2021, as reports of the practice spread across social media. In total, 51 reports of alleged needle spiking were received across Scotland between September and October that year, but cops said they were unable to firm up any of the allegations.
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