Scopolamine in Medellín: what it is, how it happens and how to stay safe (2026 guide)
· By the Safe Ride Medellín team
Photo: Betogoico58 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
What scopolamine is
Canada's government describes scopolamine as a drug that temporarily incapacitates victims, leaving them disoriented and unable to make clear decisions for 24 hours or more. Criminals use it to rob, assault, kidnap or extort them, and overdoses have been reported.[4]
The UK government adds that these drugs can cause loss of consciousness and memory loss, and can be fatal in large quantities. Because victims often can't remember what happened, many report it late.[5][3]
None of this is a reason to skip Medellín. The crime follows clear patterns, and most of what protects you is simple.
What the 2026 numbers say
By early August 2026, Medellín's crime-data system (SISC) had logged 428 reports of robbery using scopolamine or other substances, against 227 by the same date in 2025.[1]
By mid-October the count stood at 556, up from 275 a year earlier: about double. It is rising while theft overall is falling, and the city says many cases are the work of organized networks. It is working with U.S. Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Embassy to go after them.[2]
The cases cluster where the nightlife and the visitors are, and the authorities say foreigners are the preferred victims. Reports by area, as of early August 2026 (same date in 2025 in brackets):[1]
How it usually happens
The patterns repeat. Knowing them is most of the protection.
In a drink, at a bar or club
In Medellín, the authorities say it is mainly given in drinks at bars and other venues. Canada and the UK name nightclubs, bars and restaurants as the usual settings.[1][4][5]
Through a dating app
Canada reports an increase in deaths linked to online dating apps. Victims often build a relationship online and go on several dates with the same person, often in public places; once trust is established, they are drugged and robbed, kidnapped or both. Medellín's Security Secretariat says dating-app meetups are one of its main prevention concerns.[4][3]
Teams, not lone thieves
Canada and the UK both say criminals often work in teams, with women easing the victim into a false sense of security. Canada adds that they often target people travelling alone.[4][5]
How to protect yourself
- Never leave a drink or food unattended, and don't accept drinks, food, gum or cigarettes from people you've just met.[4][6]
- Meeting someone from an app? Medellín's Security Secretariat advises telling someone you trust where you're meeting, choosing public places and not accepting drinks or food from strangers.[3]
- Tell a friend or family member who you're meeting and where, and do a video call before the first date.[4][6]
- A public place isn't enough on its own: Canada notes that victims often went on several dates with the same person before it happened.[4]
- Don't take new acquaintances back to your accommodation, and don't go to theirs.[4][5]
- Plan how you'll get there and back. The UK advises using only pre-booked taxis, and the U.S. State Department says not to hail taxis on the street.[5][6]
- Going out in a group? Agree beforehand that everyone leaves together.
- Carry only the cash you need for the night.[6]
Warning signs
If you think you were drugged
- Get medical attention as soon as possible, and don't accept help from strangers.[5][1]
- Call 123, the emergency line. U.S. citizens can also call the U.S. Embassy: +57 (601) 275-2000.[6]
- If you're being robbed, don't resist.[6]
- Block your cards and your phone, and change your passwords as soon as you can.
- Report it to the police, even if you only remember part of what happened.
Getting there and back with Safe Ride
The simplest protection at night is knowing who drives you, both ways. Safe Ride Medellín is a brand of Safe Experience S.A.S., a Colombian travel agency; the rides are operated by a licensed special-transport company.
- By the hour (4-hour minimum): your driver drops you at the door, waits nearby and takes you home when you're ready.
- You never get into a car someone else picked for you.
- Fixed, all-inclusive price, paid online when you book.
- Verified driver; you get their name and photo before the ride.
- GPS trip you can share with family.
- English and Spanish.
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the service.
- By the hour (city): COP 75,000 / hour · ≈ $23
Frequently asked questions
Is scopolamine really a risk in Medellín?
Yes. By early August 2026 Medellín had logged 428 reports of robbery using scopolamine or other substances, against 227 by the same date in 2025, and by mid-October the count was 556. Most cases are in nightlife areas like El Poblado and Laureles, and the authorities say foreigners are the preferred victims.[1][2]
Which areas of Medellín have the most cases?
As of early August 2026: El Poblado (108 reports), Laureles-Estadio (106) and downtown La Candelaria (80), followed by Belén (45). They are the areas with the most nightlife and visitors.[1]
Can scopolamine be blown in your face?
The UK government lists aerosols and even paper flyers among the ways these drugs are given, and Canada lists hand sanitizer and make-up. In Medellín, though, the authorities say it is mainly given in drinks at bars and other venues, so your drink is where to focus.[5][4][1]
Are dating apps safe in Medellín?
Canada, the UK and the U.S. all warn that criminals use dating apps to target foreigners, and Canada reports an increase in deaths linked to them. If you use them, meet in public, tell someone who you're meeting and where, do a video call first, don't bring a new acquaintance to your accommodation, and arrange your own ride there and back.[4][5][6]
What are the symptoms of scopolamine?
Sudden drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, dilated pupils and memory loss. Victims can stay disoriented and unable to make clear decisions for 24 hours or more.[1][4]
What should I do if I think I was drugged?
Get medical attention right away and don't accept help from strangers. Call 123 for emergencies; U.S. citizens can also call the U.S. Embassy at +57 (601) 275-2000. Then block your cards and report it to the police, even if you only remember part of what happened.[5][1][6]
Sources
Every safety figure, fare and schedule on this page comes from these sources. Check them before you travel: rules and fares change.
- [1]El Colombiano · ¡Pilas! Los robos con escopolamina aumentaron un 89% en Medellín (Aug 6, 2026)SISC figures: 428 reports of robbery with scopolamine or other substances in 2026 against 227 by the same date in 2025; reports by comuna; foreigners as preferred victims; mainly given in drinks; symptoms; see a doctor. Accessed Nov 1, 2026.
- [2]Infobae · Robos con escopolamina en Medellín: Los casos se duplicaron en 2026, las autoridades anunciaron que van tras las redes criminales (Oct 18, 2026)Cases up from 275 to 556 in under a year (about 102%) while overall theft falls; criminal networks; work with U.S. Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Embassy. Accessed Nov 1, 2026.
- [3]Infobae · Estas son las comunas de Medellín donde más roban usando escopolamina: El Poblado encabeza la lista (Aug 8, 2026)Medellín Security Secretariat: dating-app meetups as a main focus of prevention, and its advice (tell someone, public places, no drinks or food from strangers); victims struggle to remember and report late. Accessed Nov 1, 2026.
- [4]Government of Canada · Travel advice and advisories for Colombia (Oct 14, 2026)Scopolamine: effects for 24 hours or more, how it is given, where it happens, criminals working in teams; dating apps: rising deaths, trust built over several dates; precautions. Accessed Nov 1, 2026.
- [5]UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office · Colombia travel advice: Safety and security (Oct 30, 2026)Drug-assisted robberies: scopolamine, how it is given (food, drinks, cigarettes, aerosols, flyers), effects, dating apps, teams; plan your travel there and back with pre-booked taxis; get medical attention. Accessed Nov 1, 2026.
- [6]U.S. Department of State · Colombia Travel Advisory (Level 3: Reconsider Travel) and country information (Mar 31, 2026)Level 3 nationwide; “Do not travel” areas; staff ban on street taxis and public transport; taxis, dating apps, drugging, ATMs, ride-by robberies; emergency numbers. Accessed Oct 15, 2026.