Perfume sampling sparks concerns

It is Monday, December 30, about 8:30 p.m. Half-Way Tree in St Andrew is bustling with activity as shoppers make last-minute purchases ahead of the new year's arrival.

Quite strangely, a man stood next to a small display of fewer than 10 perfume bottles placed on a wall. With him was a woman who consistently approaches young female shoppers, asking them to sample the perfume. She emphasised that she was not trying to sell anything but, instead, wanted their opinions on the scents.

Her behaviour grew increasingly peculiar as she appeared to target only young women, bypassing men entirely--even though some of the boxed perfumes resembled male colognes. Stranger still, not a single shopper accepted her invitation.

The incident stirred unease, given reports from abroad where traffickers have allegedly used perfume laced with chemicals to incapacitate victims. In such cases, those who sample the substances lose consciousness and become vulnerable to exploitation.

However, there is no evidence to suggest that the individuals in Half-Way Tree last Monday were involved in human trafficking or any other illegal activities. The use of laced perfumes has become a trend among sex traffickers in the United States of America. Victims who sample laced perfumes normally pass out, and are then taken advantage of by the trafficker.

Contacted about the suspicious activity, Senior Superintendent of Police Rory Martin, commanding officer of the St Andrew Central Police Division, said there were no reports of anyone falling victim to sex trafficking. He, however, noted that human traffickers sometimes disguise themselves as vendors in order to trap their intended targets.

"It could be something they use to lure or disorient women and lead them away, so it is something to pay attention to," Martin said.