The EU drugs agency issued the warning after carrying out an assessment on the drugs, technically known as GBL and 1,4-BD. The chemicals are used in the manufacture of another drug, GHB (Gamma-Hydroxybutyric Acid), commonly known as liquid ecstasy.
GHB surfaced on the recreational nightclub scene in parts of Europe, including Ireland, in the 1990s. It was placed under international control by the UN in 2001, following a risk analysis by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction.
“The new controls rapidly curtailed the previously open sale of GHB, but there are now concerns over the emergent use of its chemical precursor GBL (Gamma-Butyrolactone),” said the centre in a new report. “GBL is both easier to obtain and cheaper than many illicit drugs and is now being used and sold as a substitute for GHB.”
It said that, unlike GHB, GBL and 1,4-BD are not controlled internationally. The precursors are widely available in the chemical industry and are commercially available.
The report said there were 15internet chemical suppliers selling GBL, located in Germany, the Netherlands, Poland and Britain.
“Although the drug may be marketed for various legitimate purposes (eg cleaning solvents, wheel cleaners), there is some awareness among suppliers that customers may be purchasing the substance for personal consumption.”
Three EU states (Italy, Latvia, Sweden) have chosen to control one or both substances. The report said there were “already reports of direct consumption of GBL resulting in hospital emergency admissions”.
It said that GHB/GBL had similar effects to alcohol at low doses, but that “even a small increase in dose can cause serious toxic effects, including consciousness and coma”. It said these effects may intensify when they are combined with alcohol.
It said that while use of the drugs was low, there was evidence of more common usage in certain settings, such as gay nightclubs.
Source: Cormac O’Keeffe (Irish Examiner)
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