Unlike the Grand Duchy’s neighbouring countries, where several cases of needle spiking have been reported in recent months, Luxembourg has thus far managed to escape the phenomenon, in which people, usually women, have been secretly injected with sedatives, usually in a nightlife environment such as a club or party.
In a response to a parliamentary question posed by MP Gusty Graas, ministers confirmed that to date the police had not yet launched any investigations into cases of needle spiking in the country.
However, the phenomenon has reached some of Luxembourg’s border areas, with incidents occurring in Nancy, France, during the Fête de la Musique, as well as another incident at a ball in Rouvroy, Belgium, in May.
While it is feasible that needle spiking has occurred in Luxembourg without the victim filing a complaint, the police have issued a reminder that anyone concerned with the phenomenon should report any such incident.
The Ministers of Health and Internal Security also issued a reminder that emergency services must be contacted quickly in the event of an injection: “A person who is the victim of an accidental or intentional spike should contact the hospital emergency department as soon as possible, where staff are familiar with the procedure to be applied, in particular for the prevention of transmission of infectious diseases.”
