Mossos dEsquadra is investigating five complaints about chemical exposure delivered through punctures in leisure venues. It remains unclear if the victims used drugs, and no case has yet been linked to any subsequent sexual assaults.
Montserrat Escudé, a Mossos spokesperson, clarified this in an interview with Radio Catalunya today. He noted that authorities are awaiting a sixth report, involving a woman who publicly shared details online about being exposed to chemicals with a syringe or needle at a Barcelona nightclub.
Escudé emphasized that the police want to proceed with extreme caution to avoid creating a climate of fear. Among the five cases under current investigation, authorities have not found evidence of drugging at this stage; toxicology results are pending, and there is no established connection to later sexual offenses.
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Mossos has located the woman who brought the online report to light yesterday afternoon. Her case concerns a Barcelona nightclub, and investigators expect to open a formal police file after she visits a station this Tuesday.
A Mossos spokesperson advised anyone who has experienced chemical exposure, whether by puncture or ingestion, to seek medical help promptly. Even if victims are unsure about filing a formal complaint, they should visit a health center to obtain a sample for analysis.
In this context, the collection of samples is described as a critical step to gather evidence, since approximately 30 percent of such cases are reported only after a considerable delay following the incident.
Escudé acknowledged that the incidents have sparked significant concern. In response, Mossos dEsquadra is coordinating with European authorities, including the French police through Europol, to share information due to similar reported incidents in France.