Suspected Contaminated Vape Devices
Date: 19 Mar 2025
Swindon Borough Council Public Health team have been made aware of concerns regarding potentially contaminated vape devices/liquids circulating in the Wiltshire town of Marlborough. One particular Marlborough secondary school have seen a number incidents where pupils have had adverse reactions to vape devices over the previous two weeks. Pupils have been exhibiting unusual behaviour, including dizziness, sleepiness, and general unwellness with one pupil requiring medical attention following a suspected seizure. Vape liquids have been confiscated and testing of these liquids/devices are being conducted by our partners, early indications suggest these liquids maybe contaminated with K2/Spice.
Spice is a lab made drug which mimics the effect of cannabis, but with much stronger effects. It can cause serious side effects like breathing problems, and seizures. Other symptoms include feeling dizzy, vomiting, heart racing, sweating, anxiety and paranoia. Intelligence suggests the devices the liquids are being added to are Vaperesso devices, with a pink coloured liquid that has a fruity metallic smell to it.
At this stage there is no intel suggesting this is more widespread and circulating across Swindon. Our Swindon schools network are being kept informed.
- If you have any concerns around adulterated substances or vape devices please complete the following form (attached). This should be sent to Swindon Borough Council Local drug information co-ordinator by emailing SubstanceMisuseteam@Swindon.gov.uk
- If you have any concerns or information around suspected contaminated vapes or shops selling illegal vapes or products, to people who are under-age, please e-mail Swindon Borough Council Trading Standards TSDuty@swindon.gov.uk and report this to the police via the Community Partners information sharing form | Wiltshire Police
Download a PDF with further information on the Local Drug Information System here.
