Hamilton teens drunk, not drugged

Hamilton teens who reportedly had their drinks spiked had just had too much to drink. File photo / Thinkstock

Three Hamilton girls who were hospitalised following a dance party at a Te Rapa warehouse on Saturday night did not have their drinks spiked like had been claimed, police say.

The trio, aged 16 and 17, had reportedly had their drinks spiked with a 'date rape' drug, however tests found they were two and a half to three times the legal adult alcohol limit.

City community engagement manager, Inspector Marcus Lynam, said the incident raised the issue of teenagers being provided alcohol by parents or others and front-loading prior to attending the alcohol free event.

"At the time police had told the principal of the school that one of the girls attends that they were not ruling out drink spiking as a cause for their condition however we never rang to confirm this was the case.

"We were advised by hospital staff their condition was solely as a result of excessive drinking."

Mr Lynam said the event organiser had done the right thing in terms of creating a safe environment to hold such an event and police hoped their forward planning and precautions would be followed by other event managers.

- Herald Online