Overview

• On July 14 several secondary school students in Wiltshire were admitted to hospital after vaping devices laced with the synthetic cannabinoid Spice.
• Wiltshire Police have begun using a portable drug-detection device developed with the University of Bath to instantly screen confiscated vapes for Spice and THC.
• Police are creating detailed contamination hotspot maps to guide potential warrant applications and joint operations with Trading Standards.
• Swindon Borough and Wiltshire councils are collaborating with the force to test suspected devices and connect affected youths with support services.
• Officers have called on parents to discuss vaping dangers with their children following reports of severe side effects such as vomiting, fits and cardiac events.