Billerica Woman: Drugged At Boston Concert

Andrea Butler believes a stranger spiked her drink during a Wednesday night concert in Boston.

The Billerica resident attended the event at the House of Blues with five friends. She stated she consumed only one drink at the bar before the group departed. Upon leaving the venue, her companions noticed a distinct change in her physical condition. Butler’s tongue had turned a bright blue color.

By the end of the evening, Butler reported feeling severely ill. She has no memory of traveling back to Billerica or interacting with her family that night. When she awoke on Thursday, she described feeling foggy and floaty. She also experienced visual hallucinations, seeing objects that were not present. Butler told NBC10 Boston that the incident is frightening because she has young daughters.

"To have something like this happen and to know it can happen to anybody and it happens all the time it's disgusting," Butler said. "And it's very very scary again I have girls so it's all I think about is what could happen to them."

Butler attempted to report the incident to Billerica police. Officers informed her that the report must be filed with Boston Police because the consumption of the drink occurred in the city. Boston police initially told Butler that she could not file the report over the phone. They required her to appear in person at a station. Because Butler was still experiencing symptoms on Thursday and balancing a job with two children, the commute to Boston proved difficult.

Boston police later clarified to NBC10 Boston that Butler may submit her report to any station in the city. The House of Blues has been contacted for a response. Butler’s experience occurred just before Halloween weekend, a period when Boston police issue warnings about spiked beverages. The department notes that drugs used in these cases are often colorless and odorless, making them hard to detect.

Police advise patrons to accept drinks only from staff, never leave beverages unattended, and use rapid-testing strips or drink covers. They also list symptoms such as unexplained dizziness, nausea, and confusion. Boston police wrote that anyone suspecting tampered beverages should contact 911 immediately. Victims are urged to seek emergency medical attention and report the incident promptly to assist ongoing investigations.