A serving police officer has issued a stark public safety warning about a dangerous new tactic being used by some rideshare drivers to target unsuspecting passengers. The officer, who shares crucial safety advice with over 113,000 followers online under the username @police_g0tur6, posted a video that has now been viewed an astonishing 11.3 million times.
The Hidden Danger in Sealed Bottles
In the viral clip, the law enforcement professional explained he was recently 'made aware' of a new 'dangerous' tactic. He specifically warned women and teenagers, who frequently use these services, to be extremely vigilant. The alarming method involves drivers offering passengers water bottles that appear to be perfectly sealed and unopened.
'So one of the new things now that they're doing... as soon as you get in the vehicle, [drivers] will try to offer you a water,' he began in the video. The sinister part, he revealed, is that some drivers have been using a needle to inject drugs like fentanyl into the bottles without breaking the factory seal. This means the container shows no visible signs of tampering, making it seem safe when it is actually extremely dangerous.
How to Spot a Tampered Drink
Thankfully, the officer provided a simple method to check if a drink has been interfered with. His primary advice is to never accept any food or drink from a driver you do not personally know. 'It's just not safe. You don't know if they've laced it with something,' he emphasised.
However, for those who might still consider accepting the water, he offered a crucial tip. 'If you want to take the water - I wouldn't - but if you want to, squeeze the bottle,' he recommended. 'If water starts leaking out of it, that's a sure sign that they already laced it with something.' The tiny needle hole, otherwise invisible, will cause liquid to seep out when pressure is applied.
Real-World Incident and Expert Backing
This warning is not merely theoretical. Last month, CBS News reported on a case from Florida where a woman alleged she was drugged after taking a sip of a Vitamin Water given to her by a man she believed was her Uber driver. She claimed to have later woken up 'naked on a bed in a dark room with no windows.' Following this incident, 42-year-old Rafael Martinez was charged with one count of sexual battery on a physically helpless victim.
Uber confirmed the driver was banned from the platform, stating, 'While the driver was not using Uber at the time of the incident, this report is deeply disturbing.' This real-life example underscores the potential severity of the threat.
The police officer's warning is echoed by other safety professionals. Security expert Dannah Eve, known online as The Street Smart Blonde, has also circulated a video advising her followers to decline all offers from drivers. 'Do not accept anything from your... rideshare driver,' Dannah stated firmly. 'No water, no mints, no snacks, nothing. And, yes, not even if it's sealed and looks like it's never been open.'
She acknowledged that the overwhelming majority of drivers are simply being kind, but stressed that in today's world, 'it's not worth the risk.' Her final piece of advice mirrors that of the police officer: 'Politely decline, and never ingest anything. Your safety comes before anybody else's feelings.'
