The Canadian government has issued a travel advisory for Laos after six tourists died due to tainted alcohol.
In the travel advisory, the government recommends to Canadians that they “exercise a high degree of caution” when travelling to Laos due to recent reports of spiked food and drinks.
“In November 2024, several foreigners in Vang Vieng have been victims of suspected methanol-adulterated alcohol poisoning,” the advisory stated.
The government urges those travelling to Laos to “never leave your food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers” and to be wary of accepting food or drinks from strangers as “they may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.”
They also warn against food and drinks such as “happy pizzas” and “special shakes,” that may contain unspecified amounts of opium or “other unknown substances.” The government says that these items are commonly sold in areas well-frequented by tourists — specifically Vang Vieng.
“Taking any amount of opiates can be dangerous,” the advisory said.
The government also offers the following tips for tourists in Laos:
- Be vigilant if you choose to drink alcohol.
- Avoid accepting free or extremely low-priced drinks.
- Only buy alcohol in sealed bottles and cans from reputable shops.
- Seek medical assistance if you begin to feel sick.
The Associated Press reported on Friday that two Australian teenagers and a British woman are among the dead from suspected methanol poisoning after drinking tainted alcohol in Laos. An American man and two Danes also died, though their exact causes of death have not been released. A New Zealander also has been sickened.
With files from the Associated Press
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