ALMOST 200 incidents of drink spiking have been reported in Essex in recent years, an Gazette investigation has revealed in the wake of a teenager being hospitalised.

Figures show a steady increase in drink spiking crimes since 2017, until the Covid pandemic closed nightclubs in bars across Essex, with most victims aged between 18 and 34.

Since 2016, 193 drink spiking reports have been made to the police.

It comes just days after 18-year-old Millie Taplin believes her drink was spiked in a club in Essex.

Figures reveal that in 2017, 29 drink spiking incidents were recorded, which shot up to 48 a year later.

In 2019, 69 incidents were reported. In 2020 the figure dropped to 33 as clubs and pubs closed due to the pandemic.

Charity chiefs have ramped up efforts to visit sixth forms across the country to educate youngsters.

Since 2016, 145 women were victims, compared to 44 men, with four uncategorised.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “It can take only minutes for someone to feel the effects of a spiked drink.

“Memory loss can be a side-effect of many of the drugs used to spike drinks.

“Many victims are unaware of what has happened to them, and have very little memory of the incident, if any at all.

“The best way to protect yourself and your friends from being spiked is to be aware of what you consume and never take a drink that you haven’t seen being prepared in front of you.

“Never leave your drink unattended, even for a moment, and if it doesn’t taste right, don’t finish it.”

Millie, 18, was left “possessed” and “completely out of it” after the incident inside Moo Moos, in Southend, on Saturday night.

The brave teen, who has now fully recovered, suffered from seizures and had no feeling in her hands, feet or legs.

A police probe has now been launched into the incident, with the nightclub co-operating with enquiries.

Millie said: “I couldn’t be more grateful for my friends. They were by my side the whole time.

"I remember feeling sick and going to get some air.

“I was then sick and then started losing feeling in my hands and feet, and then my hands started to get locked in that position.”