A GOVERNMENT department has slammed a "vile" Ukrainian gang offering to traffic a date rape drug into the country.

The Argus found Rohypnol for sale online, amid "deeply disturbing" reports of spikings across the country.

An online drug dealer offered to send the Class C Drug - known as "Roofies" - to Brighton from Eastern Europe.

Following our investigation, The Home Office has now continue to work hard to disrupt the flow of "damaging and illegal products into the UK".

A spokesman said: “The recent reports of spiking are deeply disturbing – Rohypnol is a dangerous drug which can have devastating consequences.

"Police forces across the country are taking this extremely seriously and are dedicating resources to investigating it."

Detectives are currently investigating six reports of women being injected while on nights out in Brighton during this month.

The Home Office said plans are in place to try and cut down on these crimes amid nationwide concerns over spiking.

The spokesman added: "Our violence against women and girls strategy will drive long-term change to prevent more of these crimes from happening in the first place.

The Argus: Our reporter on a video call with the dealer Our reporter on a video call with the dealer

“Our Border Force officers work hard to disrupt these vile criminal gangs from bringing their damaging and illegal products into the UK, and we work in partnership with law enforcement colleagues like the NCA to use intelligence and technology to prevent drug trafficking and bring those responsible to justice.”

The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) said there have been 198 confirmed reports of drink spiking across the UK in September and October across.

There have also been 24 reports involving some form of injection.

Brighton’s police chief said incidents in the city are being taken “incredibly seriously” and called for any possible victims of spiking to let police or bar staff know as soon as possible.

A spokesperson for Sussex Police said night-time patrols are being increased and each case is being “thoroughly investigated”.

Chief Superintendent Justin Burtenshaw, divisional commander for Brighton and Hove, said: “Everybody has the right to enjoy a night out in safety and we fully understand the concerns around these troubling reports, not only in Sussex but across the country.

“Unannounced licensing checks throughout the night provide an additional level of support and if you see our officers out and about, please do speak to them – or licensed security staff – about any concerns or suspicious behaviour.

“Please be assured that we take all reports incredibly seriously and ask anybody who believes they may have been a victim of spiking to let police or bar staff know as soon as possible so they can be tested before potential drugs leave their system and evidence can be gathered.

“Reports can also be made to police online, via 101 or by dialling 999 in an emergency.”