A criminal investigation is underway into the alleged spiking of drinks at bars that are mostly frequented by young people in the West Flemish city of Kortrijk. During the past 1.5 years 7 young women have reported that their drinks were spiked with drugs while they were on a night out in Kortrijk. When they wake up the next morning the women whose drinks were spiked have no recollection of the events of the night before and realise that they have been sexually abused.
Since May last year, 7 women have reported that they suspect they were drugged while in cafés in Kortrijk. Tom Janssens of the West Flemish prosecutor’s office explains that “The women were allegedly offered a drink, often a shot with an almond-like flavour, similar to Amaretto. The next morning they wake up either in their own bed or in someone else's bed with a severe headache and no memory of the night before. However, they soon notice that they have bruising all over their bodies and vaginal and anal bleeding.”
Most of the incidents took place in cafés in the centre of Kortrijk, but young women were also offered drinks containing narcotics in other bars in the city that are frequented by young people.
Tom Janssens says that “The actual number of victims is probably much higher than the 7 women who have come forward so far. Many victims are ashamed or don't dare to report the offence as they can hardly remember anything. Nevertheless, we appeal to everyone to contact the police if they have any suspicions that they may have been attacked in this way. The more information we receive from the victims, the better our chances will be of catching the perpetrators and bringing them to justice. Analyses of hair allow us to detect traces of narcotics such as ketamine, which is often used in such cases, even long after an incident has taken place”.
Four men arrested
The investigation is still ongoing. At the end of last month, several properties were searched and 4 men were arrested. 2 of them have been released on bail, a third has been electronically tagged, while the fourth suspect was released without charge.
“We do not suspect that tis is the work of an organised gang, but rather simply a worrying trend”, Mr Janssens told VRT News.
The public prosecutor's office strongly advises groups of friends to stay together when they go out and to look out for each other.