Love Island's Sharon Gaffka says more needs to be done about spiking

Sharon Gaffka’s campaign boosting awareness of the dangers of drink spiking contributed to the Home’s Office’s decision to reclassify GHB, a spiking drug, as a Class B substance.

The Home Department announced on April 13 that those found in unlawful possession of GHB risk up to five years behind bars and those involved in supply and production will face up to 14 years imprisonment.  

Sharon Gaffka talks about her experience being spiked (BBC)

READ MORE: Sharon Gaffka shares her experience of being spiked

Ms Gaffka, who was found unconscious in a toilet cubicle by her friends in July 2020 while out for lunch, said the decision is a “good move” but more needs to be done.

She said: “I think it’s really nice to be officially recognised by the Government. It makes me immensely proud and it makes me feel like I’m making an impact even if it’s only a small dent.

“But I don’t think it goes far enough. Spiking is something that will never be eradicated but we can minimize it by putting deterrents in place. 

“I want to speak to someone in the Ministry of Justice to find out what harsher sentences mean in practise. One concern I want to raise is that GHB is not only used for spiking but it is also used in recreational drugs as well.

“So harsher sentences for spiking might not deter them because if they are using the drugs recreationally anyway and then using it for spiking, it adds five more years on top of a life sentence so would it make much difference to them?

“There really needs to be other measures in place. What powers have police been given to stop this happening and do venues selling drinks feel supported enough to stop and search people?”

Sharon Gaffka (far left) on season 7 of Love Island

READ MORE: Love Island winner Dani Dyer in new TV role with her dad

The season 7 Love Island contestant, who is from Didcot, is visiting Parliament next with her local MP David Johnstone to spread awareness to other MPs.

“It’s not the end of my campaign,” she said. “It’s really only the start. I want to put an emphasis on education as I am always trolled online, especially by young men, and that is something that really worries me.

“There also needs to be a better relationship between the police, the NHS and victims. A lot of victims don’t want to come forward as there’s an issue between young woman and police that needs to be solved.”

READ MORE: Speeding BMW driver claims love made him do it

Ms Gaffka’s campaign started after being found unconscious after drinking. Her friend, who is a doctor, believes she was a victim of spiking.