A major new study has found that over 10% of vapes seized from schools contain the synthetic drug spice. Nearly 2,000 vape liquids confiscated from 114 secondary schools in England were tested by the University of Bath—13% contained spice.

These illegal vapes, often brightly coloured, are promoted on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram as containing THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, which is banned in the UK. However, many actually contain spice—a far cheaper and highly addictive synthetic drug.

“Spice is incredibly strong and addictive,” said Professor Chris Pudney, who led the study. He noted that while a genuine THC vape costs around £60 in the US (where it’s legal), spice vapes can be filled for as little as £5.

Drug charities report a rise in incidents of children collapsing after inhaling spice-laced vapes. “There’s growing evidence this is a new and emerging threat we need to monitor closely,” said Fiona Spargo-Mabbs of the Daniel Spargo-Mabbs Foundation, a drug and alcohol education charity.