North Carolina

Drugs reported in alcohol at NC university — now there’s an investigation, school says

A group walks across the lawn on the campus of Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, N.C. The school announced in an advisory that there are three reports of drugs found in alcoholic drinks.
A group walks across the lawn on the campus of Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, N.C. The school announced in an advisory that there are three reports of drugs found in alcoholic drinks. AP

A North Carolina college has received reports of drugged alcohol, prompting school officials to issue a safety alert.

Wake Forest University said its police department has received “three reports this semester alleging that a student was given a drink that had been drugged.” The college learned about the most recent case over the weekend, according to an advisory published Sunday.

“Wake Forest takes these allegations seriously, and the Winston-Salem Police Department is investigating the latest incident,” the college said. “Students are reminded that putting a drug in another person’s drink is illegal and dangerous.”

The school also said making someone else incapacitated violates its student conduct code and its “culture of valuing each other with respect and dignity.”

In its alert, Wake Forest shared safety tips for those who are around alcohol. Everyone should watch their drinks, get their beverages from trusted sources and recognize changes in their bodies, according to officials.

“Look out for each other: If you see signs of someone in trouble, or someone who might be inducing incapacitation, step in,” the school said.

People who experience drowsiness, trouble moving or confusion should get medical help quickly, as drugs can leave the body in less than 72 hours, officials said. Those impacted are encouraged to contact police and support services, such as the school’s counseling office.

Wake Forest is a private school with more than 8,700 students, including about 5,400 undergrads. The university has a 340-acre campus in Winston-Salem, according to its website.

Representatives from the college and the Winston-Salem Police Department didn’t immediately respond to McClatchy News’ requests for additional information on Monday morning.

This story was originally published October 18, 2021 at 9:35 AM with the headline "Drugs reported in alcohol at NC university — now there’s an investigation, school says."

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Simone Jasper
The News & Observer
Simone Jasper is a service journalism reporter at The News & Observer in Raleigh, North Carolina.
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