The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.
Woman demonstrates how easily someone can spike your drink with viral TikTok video
‘Millions of people are going to re-evaluate how they protect themselves and those around them’, says Mell Hall
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A woman has demonstrated how easy it is for your drink to be spiked in a viral TikTok video.
Mell Hall from Toronto, Canada, recently uploaded a video on her TikTok page in which she explained how holding coaster over your glass during a night out is one of the most effective ways to protect your drinks.
However, some users criticised her and called the safety measure “unnecessary”. In response, Hall decided to film another clip showing just how easy it is to spike a drink.
During the video, Hall recreated a number of different scenarios that people can use to add drugs to your drink, using a glass of water and corn kernels.
Hall successfully managed to drop five corn kernels into the glass using methods such as dropping one as she held out her hand to introduce herself, dropping one while handing over money, accidentally tripping, and slipping one in as she gesticulated during conversation.
The video has since gone viral on TikTok, gaining more than 1.8 million views and many users were left shocked at how she added the kernels without them noticing.
“I had to watch it twice because I DIDN'T NOTICE THE FIRST TIME”, one person commented.
Another added: “Jesus I didn't even notice you dropping things in the first time I watched the video which is EXACTLY THE POINT.”
@renaissancewomanhood Reply to @ivanp2020 I feel really icky after doing that... even if it wasn't real🥺 ##besafeeveryone
♬ Money Trees - Kendrick Lamar
A third person wrote: “That's actually so terrifying. I had no idea what you were doing until you held up the glass kernels. It's really that easy. Wow.”
Hall said she decided to make the video because she thought it was the best way to respond to negative comments and explain the risks.
“I thought a visual would be more impactful. So, I searched my kitchen for something pill-sized, which were popcorn kernels, and I got to work. It was a spontaneous thing,” she said.
“I never expected it to go viral!”
She also encouraged people to be vigilant, cover their glasses to ensure they stay safe and surround themselves with trusted friends.
“My intention when I made this video wasn't to scare people into never going out. I know from the comments that fear is a lot of peoples' first reaction to seeing this,” Hall explained.
“I would have been happy if just one person would have walked away from watching this video and decided to be more vigilant and build safer habits for themselves.
“To my surprise, it looks like millions of people are going to re-evaluate how they protect themselves and those around them.”
According to figures obtained by the BBC Radio 5 Live Investigations Unit, there have been more than 2,600 reports of drink-spiking incidents in England and Wales since 2015.
The data from 22 out of 43 police forces and the British Transport Police also revealed 72 per cent of alleged victims were female.
Drink Aware states that symptoms of drink spiking vary depending on the substance used but can include lower inhibitions, loss of balance, visual problems, confusion, nausea, vomiting and unconsciousness.
You can find more information about drink spiking and what to do if you think you have been spiked here.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments