A disturbing incident unfolded in the United States when a resident allegedly tampered with beverages during a sleepover, raising serious safety concerns for minors. According to Mirror, a 57-year-old man from Oregon hosted guests at his home while his daughter’s friends stayed over, and he played a direct active role in the evening’s events. The plan involved taking the girls to run errands, including getting their nails done and ordering pizzas for dinner, followed by service of fruit smoothies to the group. It was later reported that the smoothies had been laced with a depressant substance, benzodiazepine, which slows the nervous system and impairs alertness. (Mirror)
The girls each consumed mango smoothies, with one of the victims recounting feelings of dizziness, heat, and clumsiness after drinking two beverages. The father subsequently fell unconscious and slept through the night. In interviews with investigators, one of the minors described that the man conducted what she perceived as some kind of nighttime checks to determine whether the children were awake. (Mirror)
Parents later arrived at the residence after learning what had happened, intending to bring their children home for safety. The school owner or administrator reportedly refused to release the girls, insisting they were already asleep, despite concerns raised by the adults. Ultimately, the guardians removed the children and took them to a hospital, where medical testing revealed traces of a psychoactive drug in the youths’ bloodstreams. (Mirror)
Following the start of the investigation, legal actions continued, and the suspect’s spouse filed for divorce. The man faced multiple charges at trial, but bail was posted, allowing him to remain free while the case progressed. (Mirror)
There have been other distressing reports in recent years involving adults who prey on minors during seemingly ordinary social gatherings, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and protective measures in households and community spaces. In a separate instance abroad, a 19-year-old tourist was reportedly exposed to nitrous oxide during an unrelated incident. These cases illustrate the broader risks associated with psychoactive substances and the importance of prompt, thorough investigations to safeguard young people. (Mirror)