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  4. CBP Indianapolis Seizes Threatening "Date Rape" Chemical

CBP Indianapolis Seizes Threatening "Date Rape" Chemical

Release Date
Mon, 10/06/2014

INDIANAPOLIS, IN.— U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers working express consignment operations at the Indianapolis International Airport have had a busy month, seizing 27 gallons of Gamma-Butyrolactone (GBL), a strong intoxicant used as a precursor of Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate (GHB) a Schedule I Controlled Substance.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers working express consignment operations at the Indianapolis International Airport have had a busy month, seizing 27 gallons of Gamma-Butyrolactone (GBL), a strong intoxicant used as a precursor of Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate (GHB) a Schedule I Controlled Substance.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers working express consignment operations at the Indianapolis International Airport have had a busy month, seizing 27 gallons of Gamma-Butyrolactone (GBL), a strong intoxicant used as a precursor of Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate (GHB) a Schedule I Controlled Substance.

“These are significant interceptions by our CBP officers during the month of September,” said Ted Thomas, Acing Port Director in Indianapolis.  “CBP is on the frontline at our nation's ports of entry, targeting and stopping illegal shipments containing dangerous substances that threaten the health and safety of our communities.”

The GBL seized during this time frame originated from various countries and in most cases the destinations included locations in the United States and others throughout the world. Misleading invoice descriptions were attached to shipments in an attempt to disguise illicit contents.

When consumed, the human body converts GBL to GHB. Popularized in recent years as a recreational drug among young adults at dance clubs, GBLhas also been used to render a victim incapable of resisting advances, which is why it is commonly referred to as a “date-rape” drug.

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), GBL is an industrial solvent commonly used to produce polyurethane, pesticides, elastic fibers, pharmaceuticals, coating on metal or plastic, and other products. GBL is also sold illicitly as a supplement for bodybuilding, fat loss, reversal of baldness, improved eyesight, and to combat aging, depression, drug addiction, and insomnia. The sale of GBL is illegal for any purpose other than intended industrial and legitimate applications.

The estimated street value of the seized GBL is approximately $35,000.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021