The Dutch police have launched an investigation into a series of suspected mass drugging incidents targeting women in Amsterdam. The UK Foreign Office has issued a travel alert, warning British tourists to exercise caution in the city’s nightlife districts.
Insiders say the probe was sparked by a surge in reports from victims who woke up disoriented, with no memory of the previous night. Toxicology tests are pending, but police suspect a date-rape drug.
The timing is awkward for Amsterdam’s tourist board. The city relies heavily on British visitors. One industry source described the alert as a “hammer blow” to the post-pandemic recovery. Labour MPs are calling for an urgent review of UK consular support.
Downing Street declined to comment. But Home Office officials are monitoring the situation closely. This could quickly become a diplomatic headache if the Dutch drag their feet.
The first victim came forward in April. Since then, at least 20 more women have reported similar symptoms. Dutch police have set up a dedicated hotline. They are also working with bars and clubs to improve CCTV coverage.
British women in Amsterdam for a hen party described the atmosphere as “chilling”. One told me: “We’re sticking together and not drinking anything we didn’t open ourselves.”
The Foreign Office’s travel alert is standard for such incidents, but the language is unusually stark: “Serious incidents of drink spiking have been reported. Be vigilant.”
This is a live story. The political fallout could be significant if the number of British victims rises. Expect questions in the House within days.
