One in six vapes confiscated in English schools are spiked with the highly addictive synthetic drug spice, according to research from the University of Bath. The study tested 596 vapes seized from 38 schools across London, the West Midlands, Greater Manchester, and South Yorkshire, finding spice in at least one device in 28 of the schools.
Spice, a class B drug, was present in 16.6% of the vapes tested, while roughly 1% contained THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis. One vape also contained trace elements of heroin. Researchers believe the substance is being added to vapes marketed as containing cannabis oil.
Professor Chris Pudney, who developed the portable testing device used in the study, expressed shock at the findings. “I was expecting a figure around 10 times lower,” he said. “The vapes were taken from pupils during a normal school day, not because teachers suspected drugs.” He warned that teenagers think they are purchasing vapes with THC or nicotine but are instead getting spice, which can cause heart attacks, seizures, and psychotic episodes.
Headteacher Ben Davis of St Ambrose Barlow RC high school in Salford reported that two pupils at his school collapsed after using spice-laced vapes, requiring intensive care. “It’s only a matter of time before serious injuries or fatalities occur,” he said, urging parents to talk openly with their children about the risks.
Chief Inspector Sarah Johns of Devon and Cornwall Police emphasised that young people can never be sure what is in unregulated vapes, and that spice could lead to serious harm. A government spokesperson stated that vaping products are being banned from being branded and advertised to appeal to children, and funding is provided to Trading Standards and Border Force to crack down on illegal sellers.
