Several needle spiking incidents have been reported in Echuca since late last year.
The Campaspe Crime Investigation Unit does not know what the women were injected with.
Women who have been injected are experiencing adverse reactions, such as feeling unwell almost immediately.
“People we’ve spoken to were having a night where there would be absolutely no reason for them to feel ill,” Echuca’s Detective Sergeant Barry Gray said.
The reaction lasts for only a short period of time, but has resulted in hospitalisations.
“They hadn’t eaten anything bad, they hadn’t had an excessive amount of alcohol. They just suddenly fell ill,” Det Sgt Gray said.
Reactions to the jab are unlike COVID-19 symptoms, as they are not flu-related, but instead include stomach-related issues, including vomiting.
Reports have been made that targeted women have also had visible marks on their bodies.
Fortunately, all of the people who have reported incidents have made it safely home after the ordeal.
Concerns have been raised about whether some kind of assault could occur after the women have been spiked with the needle.
The CIU is also concerned someone who has been injected may feel unwell, then leave the venue, wander on to the road and potentially be hit by a car.
“The issue on its own is bad enough, but it can potentially have worse consequences that we all know are out there,” Det Sgt Gray said.
He said it was up to the venues to decide what safety precautions to adopt.
“We are talking to the places where the needle spiking has happened. They are helping us where they can and we will help them where we can,” Det Sgt Gray said.
“I think it’s more of an issue that we should ask patrons to be aware of their surroundings, go out with friends and keep an eye on each other.
“There’s always been an issue globally with drink spiking. I think people need to see this as a reminder that yes, spiking still goes on.”
Police are asking anyone who knows anything about the needle spiking to come forward by contacting the CIU, the Echuca Police Station or Crime Stoppers.
“We are looking to speak to the person, or people, who are responsible for the spiking,’’ Det Sgt Gray said.
“We also want to speak to people who think they might have been affected in some way, either directly or indirectly.
“Even if it’s a friend that’s fallen ill after being at a licensed premises — for no apparent reason — we want to know about it.
“It may, or may not, be related to what we’re looking at, but we’d still like to know.”
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