The growing problem of date-rape drugs at Denmark’s nightclubs

Recent survey suggests that up to one in five young people have been targeted

A new TV2 documentary making its premiere tonight, ‘Drugged i nattelivet’ (drugged in the nightlife), lifts the lid on how common it is for drinks to be spiked with date-rape drugs at the nation’s nightclubs.

A Megafon survey for TV2 and Politiken reveals that almost one in five young people have either had their drink spiked (6 percent), or believe that they survived an attempt (12 percent).

The March 2023 survey of 560 respondents aged 18-35, both men and women, finds that 28 percent are worried about the risk of being drugged.

However, only one in 33 of the 6 percent who have been drugged reported the incident to the police.

Calls to Giftlinjen helpline increasing
The TV2 documentary presents a series of case studies, and there are certainly warning signs for women to look out for whilst sipping their drinks. Sometimes they taste bitter, on other occasions medicinal. A feeling of illness is likely to follow swiftly, followed by vomiting and a loss of control of their body.

Anyone who suspects they have been drugged should call Giftlinjen (the poison line) where they can speak to specialist nurses or a doctor. Established in 2015, the number of inquiries has increased from 95 in 2015 to 314 in 2021 to 535 in 2022.

“People call in when they suspect that they have been drugged, and then we give advice in relation to whether they are still affected and need to be hospitalised,” the Giftlinjen senior doctor, Dorte Fris Palmqvist, who is based at Bispebjerg Hospital, told TV2.

From 21:30 today, the documentary will be available on TV2 Play.




  • Nørrebro: A battle between identities

    Nørrebro: A battle between identities

    Nørrebro is a cornerstone of the city of Copenhagen. However, while it continues to be a popular hang out spot for young and old alike, the neighborhood is in the middle of a transformation from the old working class population, to a younger and more economically stable clientele. This fact raises concern among native Nørrebro-citizens.

  • Copenhagen celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with a grand 20th anniversary parade

    Copenhagen celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with a grand 20th anniversary parade

    The Irish Culture Association Denmark (ICAD) is celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Copenhagen on March 16, 2025, with a parade marking its 20th anniversary. Supported by the Irish Embassy, the event will feature Irish music, dance, sports, and cultural displays, bringing the spirit of Ireland to Denmark.

  • Trump: Greenlandic annexation “will happen.” Greenlandic PM: “Enough is enough”

    Trump: Greenlandic annexation “will happen.” Greenlandic PM: “Enough is enough”

    Yesterday, the President of the United States made some of the strongest statements about Greenland he has ever made during the press conference with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

  • Copenhagen revisited through memoir poetry

    Copenhagen revisited through memoir poetry

    Not all students feel like reading Danish poetry after a meeting at a language school with writer and poet Henrik Palle. Yet, a portrayal of Copenhagen as the city once was and the impressions of what the city is today give a deeper impression of the Danes

  • A book to make Danish idioms easier to understand

    A book to make Danish idioms easier to understand

    It’s difficult to learn Danish, especially with idioms that have figurative meanings. It highlights Christiane Bjørg Nielsen’s book, See What You Say, which serves as a visual guide to understanding these idiomatic expressions in Danish.

  • Raise the voice of internationals. Take the survey and share your experience in Denmark.

    Raise the voice of internationals. Take the survey and share your experience in Denmark.

    Copenhagen Capacity has launched a survey for all internationals living in Denmark to find out if they are happy here and what challenges they face. The Copenhagen Post is the media partner for this initiative. You can find the survey below in the article.

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.


  • Copenhagen ranked 4th for career growth

    Copenhagen ranked 4th for career growth

    Copenhagen is ranked as the fourth-best city in the world for career growth, according to an analysis by EnjoyTravel. This ranking considers various factors such as living costs, salary levels, workforce availability, and overall quality of life. Copenhagen is noted for its blend of historical and modern elements, particularly in the green energy sector, which influences job opportunities.

  • Data shows that non-Western immigrants have saved local economies in Denmark

    Data shows that non-Western immigrants have saved local economies in Denmark

    A study reveals how only the massive influx of non-Western immigrants has saved many areas in Denmark from a decline in the workforce and a consequently shrinking economy

  • Long-term unemployment is double for non-Western immigrants

    Long-term unemployment is double for non-Western immigrants

    An analysis from the Labour Movement’s Business Council shows that the rate in long-term unemployment for non-Western immigrants is 1.8 times higher than for Danes. In other words, a chronic unemployment situation is way more probable for non-Western internationals.