august 2002 - justice

BULLETINI N F O R M AT I O N

AUGUST 2002

Product No. 2002-L0424-003

U. S. D E P A R T M E N T O F J U S T I C E

©P

orra

ta C

onsu

ltin

g

Introduction

Because the criminal penalties associated withGHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate) have been made morestringent and law enforcement pressure has renderedGHB more difficult to obtain, the distribution andabuse of GHB analogs have become an increasingconcern. GHB analogs, which include GBL, BD,GHV, and GVL, are drugs that possess chemicalstructures that closely resemble GHB. The ingestion ofany of these analogs produces physiological effectssimilar to the effects associated with GHB abuse—relaxation, mild euphoria, and drowsiness. Abuserswho emerge from a deep sleep or coma caused byGHB analogs may become easily agitated and ex-tremely combative. GHB analogs are of particularconcern because they contribute to increasing numbersof auto accidents, sexual assaults, and deaths.

While federal law prohibits the sale of analogsfor human consumption, GHB analogs are availablelegally as industrial solvents used to produce polyure-thane, pesticides, elastic fibers, pharmaceuticals,coatings on metal or plastic, and other products.These analogs also are sold illicitly as supplements

for bodybuilding, fat loss, reversal of baldness,improved eyesight, and to combat aging, depression,drug addiction, and insomnia. GBL and BD are soldas “fish tank cleaner,” “ink stain remover,” “inkcartridge cleaner,” and “nail enamel remover” forapproximately $100 per bottle—much more expen-sive than comparable products. Law enforcement’sefforts to identify the abuse of GHB analogs arehampered by the fact that routine toxicologicalscreens do not detect the presence of these analogs. Inaddition, distributors continually develop new ana-logs to avoid law enforcement detection.

Analogs

GHB analogs often are abused in place ofGHB or are used to produce GHB. Common GHBanalogs include GBL, BD, GHV, and GVL. (SeeTable 1 on page 2.) Both GBL and BD metabolizeinto GHB upon ingestion. GBL is the most com-mon precursor used in the production of GHB.GVL is abused in place of GHB because it me-tabolizes into GHV, which produces physiologicaleffects similar to GHB.

This document may contain dated information. It has been made available to provide access to historical materials.

ARCHIVED

2

GHB Analogs—GBL, BD, GHV, and GVL

Abuse

GHB analogs are distributed as liquids andconsumed orally. When ingested, these analogsproduce effects such as relaxation, mild euphoria,

and drowsiness. Such effects are similar to thoseassociated with GHB abuse and may resemble theresults of alcohol intoxication. GHB analogs alsomay increase libido, suggestibility, passivity, andcause amnesia—traits that make users vulnerable tosexual assault and other criminal acts. Users awak-ening or emerging from a coma may exhibit ex-treme combativeness, a condition which is alsoobserved among those in withdrawal from addictionto GHB and its analogs. GHB analogs are known toproduce side effects such as topical irritation to theskin and eyes, nausea, vomiting, incontinence, lossof consciousness, seizures, liver damage, kidneyfailure, respiratory depression, and even death. GHBanalogs are physically addictive, causing addicts toexperience severe withdrawal symptoms if theymiss a dose or attempt to stop using the drug.

Some GHB analog abusers begin consumingdietary supplements believing the claims made bymanufacturers, and then find themselves addictedto the product. GHB analogs typically are abusedin place of GHB by users who want to experiencethe effects associated with GHB and who find theanalogs more widely available or easily obtained.Often users are unaware that they are consumingan analog and mistakenly believe that the sub-stance they are ingesting is GHB. Many users mixthe analogs with flavored beverages to mitigatetheir salty flavor and unappealing odor. Someusers, however, simply ingest the drugs straight ormixed with water. It is often difficult or impossibleto detect the presence of GBL, BD, GHV, or GVLwhen they are mixed with other liquids because allthese analogs are clear and colorless. A quick testthat indicates the possible presence of GHB ana-logs or GHB in a clear liquid involves shaking theliquid. If it becomes cloudy, GHB analogs or GHBmay be present.

Because GHB analogs either are metabolizedinto GHB by the human body or produce similarphysiological effects when ingested, healthcareproviders often are unable to distinguish betweenthe abuse of GHB and GHB analogs. Thus, therising abuse of GHB, evidenced by the increase in

Man Drugs Wife and Babysitter With BDIn March 2002 a South Dakota man was arrestedfor possession of BD and the distribution of BD toa minor. The man had purchased a dietary supple-ment containing BD from a Canadian companyover the Internet. The man’s wife believes that herhusband drugged both her and their babysitterwith the substance. The man allegedly experi-mented with the product on himself in order todetermine the dosage, in relation to body weight,that would achieve the desired effects. On severaloccasions, after consuming mixed drinks herhusband prepared, the wife fell into a deep sleepand vaguely recalled her husband’s having sexu-ally abused her. One evening, when both thehusband and wife had separate plans to be out ofthe house, the wife returned home and found thehusband at home with the babysitter who said shefelt drowsy. The babysitter claimed that the hus-band had given her something for a headache andsaid she recalled him rubbing her back and touch-ing her breasts. The wife immediately took thebabysitter to the hospital and notified authorities.

Source: Sioux Falls Police Department.

golanA/emaNlacimehCemaNevitanretlA

rofrosrucerPfonoitcudorP

sezilobateMotnI

LBGenotcalorytub-ammag

ordyh-idenonarufenonarufordyhid

BHG BHG

DB

loidenatub-4,1locylgenelyhtemartet

B-locuslocylgenelytub

LBG BHG

VHGetarelavyxordyh-ammag

BHG-lyhtem* *

LVGenotcalorelav-ammag

edilonatnep-4VHG VHG

*GHV is not used as a precursor and is not metabolized intoanother drug.

Table 1. GHB Analogs


ARCHIVED

3

National Drug Intelligence Center

Table 2. Emergency Department Mentions forGHB and GBL in 22 Major U.S. Cities, 1994–2000

Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administra-tion, Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN).

DAWN emergency department mentions, reflectsincreased GHB analog use as well.

Distribution

GHB analogs are readily available, and variousmethods are used to distribute these drugs. Becauseof legislation (see page 5), GHB analogs are legallyavailable only in products not intended for humanconsumption. Abusers and distributors may obtaincommercial products such as chemical solventslegally and then illegally consume or distribute them.

Illegal distribution of GHB analogs often occurs atraves, concerts, nightclubs, health clubs, gyms, andon college campuses. At these venues GHB analogsusually are sold for $10 to $20 per capful (approxi-mately 1 teaspoonful). When distributors sell thesedrugs, they may fail to specify which analog they areselling, or they may misrepresent the analog as GHB.

GHB analogs also are distributed at disrepu-table stores that sell health food and nutritionalsupplements. The analogs also may be marketed onthe Internet and then shipped to purchasers viapackage delivery services. Typically, analogs aremarketed as dietary supplements, sleep aids, andcleaning products. They are packaged in bottlescontaining 4 to 20 ounces and sold for $40 to $100each. The products that are distributed as dietarysupplements usually contain GVL as the activeingredient, while the cleaning supplies usuallycontain GBL or BD. The concentration of the analogvaries; therefore, the size of a dose may range fromone-half teaspoon to one-half ounce, and the numberof doses per bottle may range from 24 to 48.

Individuals who illegally produce GHB analogsfor human consumption often list alternative chemi-cal names to disguise the ingredients. Most usersrecognize the analog by the brand name or throughadvertisements that tout the product as a replacementfor a similar product that has been removed from themarket. Products that contained BD or GBL such asRenewTrient II, Serenity, Inner-G, Soma Solution,and Blue Nitro are no longer sold, primarily becauseof law enforcement pressure, but comparableproducts with similar brand names are available.

GHB analogs often are sold with disclaimersthat they are not for human consumption; however,many of the products have labels implying that theproduct may be ingested. One product marketed as anindustrial solvent has a label that states “Warning!Accidental ingestion of [product] will produce GHBin your body. If you ingest some by mistake, don’ttake alcohol or any other drug!” Another productlabel states “Warning: Accidental ingestion maycause… euphoria…increases tactile sensitivity….”

BD Ingredient in Sleep AidOn January 27, 2000, a Utah man died from takingZen, a product containing sucol-B, an alternativename for 1,4-butanediol. The man initially purchasedthe product in July 1999 as a sleep aid from a localhealth food store and was unaware that the productcontained a GHB analog. He realized he had becomeaddicted to the substance and was trying to weanhimself from it before his death. In April 2002 theman’s widow reached an undisclosed settlement in acase filed in civil court holding the store responsible inthe wrongful death of her husband, claiming they failedto warn consumers that the product contained anactive ingredient that is processed by the body intoGHB.

Sources: G. Erick Nielson and Associates (plaintiff’s legalrepresentative); Associated Press.

raeY latoT

4991 65

5991 541

6991 836

7991 267

8991 282,1

9991 871,3

0002 969,4


ARCHIVED

4


Many of the products are marketed as “Great House-hold Bargains” (GHB) in order to increase theirexposure to individuals seeking GHB analogs.

In addition to the distribution methods discussedpreviously, supplies, kits, and recipes for producingGHB using the GHB analog GBL are marketed andsold on the Internet.

Tests for GHB Analogs

Seized GHB analogs frequently are not identifiedbecause detection of such analogs requires specificfield and laboratory testing. Three different colortests—cobalt nitrate, Marquis reagent, and Mandelinreagent—are useful for detecting the presence of GHBanalogs. (Contact forensic laboratories to obtainspecific instructions regarding utilizing these test kits.)Both the Marquis reagent and the Mandelin reagenttests are available commercially.

Routine toxicological screens do not detectGHB or GHB analogs; thus, law enforcementofficers and medical personnel must order specificblood and urine tests when they suspect GHBanalog abuse. Federal, state, and local forensic

laboratories may not routinely test for GHB inblood or urine. The most common urine testsscreen only for the “NIDA-5,” five of the mostcommonly abused categories of drugs—amphet-amines (amphetamines, methamphetamine),cocaine (powdered cocaine, crack), cannabinoids(marijuana, hash), opiates (heroin, opium, codeine,morphine), and phencyclidine (PCP). GHB in theblood or urine can result from the ingestion ofGHB, GBL, or BD. To yield a reliable result, testsfor GHB and GHB analogs must be performed notlong after ingestion. Urine tests for GHB and GHBanalogs must be performed within 12 hours afteringestion, and blood tests must be performedwithin 5 hours.

GHB Factor in Auto FatalityOn November 21, 2000, a Florida woman under theinfluence of GHB crashed head-on into another car,killing a passenger in the other vehicle. Hours beforethe incident, the woman had been arrested afterpassing out at a red light. A Breathalyzer test failed todetect alcohol; however, the woman admitted tohaving drunk from a bottle that contained GHB. Sheposted bond and was released. Two weeks before thefatal collision, the driver had been ticketed for carelessdriving; police did not detain her because the officer atthe scene did not smell alcohol and did not know totest for GHB.

Source: Florida Department of Law Enforcement; St. PetersburgTimes.

Because GHB analogs produce effects similarto GHB, driving under the influence of the analogsis just as dangerous as driving under the influenceof GHB. As a result, some agencies have adoptedaggressive strategies for identifying drivers whomay have consumed GHB. The Pinellas-PascoMedical Examiner’s Office in Florida conductsGHB tests on drivers who are suspected of drivingunder the influence (DUI). In 2000 GHB wasdetected in approximately 8 percent of thesuspected DUI cases that the office examined.

GHB KitsBetween March 22, 1999, and January 20, 2000,two brothers operating from Mississippi and SouthCarolina marketed “GHB kits” on the Internet dis-guised as computer-cleaning solvents. The kitsincluded instructions for producing GHB from GBLand contained enough GBL and sodium hydroxide(the chemical used to convert GBL to GHB) to make15 to 20 doses of GHB; the kits were sold for $55.New Jersey Statewide Narcotics Task Force investi-gators made nine undercover purchases by commu-nicating via web sites and an e-mail account. Policeseized a 55-gallon drum of GBL and 10 pounds ofsodium hydroxide from a home owned by the broth-ers in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. On March23, 2002, a New Jersey court sentenced the broth-ers to 4 years in prison under a plea agreement.

Source: Associated Press.


ARCHIVED

5


Legislation

On February 18, 2000, the “Hillory J. Fariasand Samantha Reid Date-Rape Prohibition Act of1999” (Public Law 106-172) was signed into law,legislating GHB as a Schedule I controlled sub-stance. GBL was also regulated under this law as aList I controlled chemical. Illicit use of GHBanalogs may now be prosecuted as Schedule Isubstances under 21 U.S. Code § 813.

GHB analogs are treated as controlled sub-stances under Federal law only if intended forhuman consumption. According to 21 U.S.C. § 813,“a controlled substance analog(ue) shall, to theextent intended for human consumption, be treated,for the purposes of any Federal law as a controlledsubstance in Schedule I.” Thus, authorities canprosecute drug offenses involving GHB analogs inthe same manner as offenses involving GHB. (See21 U.S.C. § 802(32) for the definition of a con-trolled substance analog(ue).)

Outlook

Deterring the distribution and abuse of GHBanalogs poses unique challenges. Some analogshave legitimate purposes and are legally available.Distributors of illicit GHB analogs will continue todevelop new products to disguise their activities,and illicit producers will continue to develop newGHB analogs for the same reasons. Web sitesadvertising these products will continue to bedeceptive and ever-changing. Distributors willdevelop new disguises for GHB analogs in addi-tion to marketing them as cleaning fluids anddietary supplements. Sharing current informationand associated trends relating to GHB analogsamong medical personnel, law enforcement officers,and laboratory personnel is essential to stemmingthe distribution and abuse of these analogs.


ARCHIVED

6


Sources

Annals of Emergency Medicine

Associated Press

Broward County (FL) Commission on Substance Abuse

Emedicine, www.emedicine.com

Florida Department of Law Enforcement

G. Erick Nielson and Associates

Hazeldon Foundation

Journal of Medicinal Chemistry

Journal of the Clandestine Laboratory Investigating Chemists Association

Missouri State Highway Patrol

Neuropharmacology

New England Journal of Medicine

Pennsylvania Attorney General, Bureau of Narcotics Investigation and Drug Control

Porrata Consulting, Inc.

Sioux Falls Police Department

St. Petersburg Times

U.S. Code Title 21, Food and Drugs

U.S. Department of Health and Human ServicesFood and Drug AdministrationNational Institutes of Health

National Institute on Drug AbuseCommunity Epidemiology Work Group

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services AdministrationDrug Abuse Warning Network

U.S. Department of JusticeDrug Enforcement Administration

Philadelphia DivisionSt. Louis Division

United Nations Office for Drug Control and Crime Prevention

WebMD Medical News, onhealth.webmd.com


ARCHIVED

7


This page intentionally left blank.


ARCHIVED


319 Washington Street 5th Floor, Johnstown, PA 15901-1622 • (814) 532-4601

NDIC publications are available on the following web sites:ADNET http://ndicosa LEO home.leo.gov/lesig/ndicRISS ndic.riss.net INTERNET www.usdoj.gov/ndic 0

32

80

3


ARCHIVED

august 2002 - justice

Documents