You go to a bar and someone offers you a drink. Do you accept it?
The answer to this question depends on the circumstances. Is the person offering to buy you a beer that you saw the bartender crack open? Or are they walking over to you with a drink in hand? Also, where are you when this is happening?
These questions come about because, unfortunately, drink spiking is a real thing that happens. If you’re not careful, it’s relatively easy for someone to slip an illicit substance into a person’s drink without them knowing. Even if the drink is sealed, it’s possible to spike a closed bottle without being easily detected.
One woman shared a video of herself accepting one of these free drinks—only to be interrupted by an incredibly timely announcement.
What Happened At This Airport Bar?
In a video with over 8.6 million views, TikTok user Ashley (@m.i.a.harley) shows herself sipping on an orange beverage in a takeaway cup.
“POV: you just accepted a drink from a random man at the airport bar,” she explains in the text overlaying the video.
After a few more seconds enjoying the drink, an announcement interrupts her.
“Broward County’s Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport is doing its part to combat human trafficking,” the announcement starts. “It’s estimated that over 25 million people worldwide are victims of human trafficking. Sadly, it’s happening in our community here in South Florida.”
As the announcement plays, Ashley looks upward at the speaker with a questioning gaze.
“We urge everyone to report suspicious behavior by calling 9-1-1 so that law enforcement officials can thoroughly investigate,” the announcement concludes. “We thank you for your attention to this important issue.”
What Happened Next?
As this incident happened over a year ago, Ashley can confirm that she was not adversely affected by the drink.
The day after posting her original video, she posted another video with the caption, “I’m alive yall.” A follow-up video shows her drinking another drink, with the TikToker writing in the caption, “if it’s free I’m taking it.”
In the comments under her original video, she clarified that the person who gave her the drink was the bartender. He also gave it to her in a plastic cup so she could take it with her to her gate.
How Common Is This?
While incredibly rare, there are cases in which it was claimed that people had their drink spiked while at the airport.
In 2023, a woman traveling through the Denver International Airport ordered a drink at a bar. According to ABC7 Denver, she did not pay close attention to her drink. Later, after consuming her beverage, she began to feel nauseous and made herself throw up. Not only that, but she encountered several people who acted strangely toward her, including making comments about her behavior.
Feeling unsafe, she informed the flight attendants and pilot of her concerns. When she landed, she promptly went to the doctor. While she says they did not initially take her concerns seriously, things changed when she got a urine test. The test found evidence of benzodiazepines, a narcotic.
Consequently, law enforcement and the FBI became involved. There does not appear to be an update on her case.
Commenters Make Jokes
Given that Ashley is clearly fine after drinking the free beverage, users felt comfortable joking about her situation.
“‘Sadly, it’s happening in our community here in South Florida. Maybe even at this airport. Maybe to a young woman in a gray hoodie. Maybe to a young woman in a gray hoodie with pink headphones still sipping on a drink from a complete stranger,’” wrote a user.
“I just KNOW security was looking at you though the cameras and pressed play,” laughed another.
“If they knew your name they would have said it,” offered a third.
@m.i.a.harley Dang it’s really been a year since this lil banger dropped 😭.#fypシ゚viral #onthisday #oneyearanniversary #airportlife
BroBible reached out to Ashley via email.