A terrifying new phenomenon is sweeping across the Senegambia Strip, forcing many young people to stay away from nightclubs.

According to a famous promoter who spoke to What's On-Gambia, young people, many of them girls, have become so scared of having their drinks spiked by men they meet in nightclubs and other public venues.

"Recently, a young lady from Sweden was a victim while on a night out. Her drink was spiked. She was rushed to the hospital after suffering fits," he said.

Horrific incidents have been reported in most of the country's famous nightclubs. Even restaurants and hotels have seen incidents of drink spiking.

The promoter, who begged for anonymity, added: "They target only young women. After drugging them, they would start harassing and touching them inappropriately."

He added: "Sometimes, they would steal their items and disappear."

When asked whether nightclub owners are aware of the drink spiking, he responded: "It's so common now. I guess they are aware, but may not know how to stop it."

What is drink spiking?

Drink spiking is when someone has added something, for example, alcohol or drugs, to your drink without you knowing. This may affect the way you act or how you behave.