POLICE ISSUE DATE-RAPE DRUG WARNING

Booze, GHB A Dangerous Mix

Two self-induced overdoses on GHB, more commonly known as the date rape
drug, triggered a warning from Victoria police.

Twice within an hour late Friday evening, men in their early 20s were found
collapsed in front of Logan's Pub on Cook Street suffering from severe
respiratory problems. Hospital staff later determined that the men, who
police say appeared to have been drinking together, had ingested a
combination of the drug GHB and alcohol. The men have since been released
from hospital.

Victoria police officers make about 30 seizures per year of the illegal
drug, putting it well down the frequency list compared to drugs such as
cocaine and crystal meth, said Insp. Les Sylven.

"Anecdotally, five years ago it was something that was very rare for us to
come across," he said.

While its use as a mood-altering substance is far from epidemic in the
city, "It is out there and people need to know that it's far from safe,"
Sylven added. "Besides the fact it's illegal, would people knowingly
consume it when they know it's floor stripper or nail polish?"

In recent years, the scenario of young women having horrible experiences
after ingesting GHB-laced drinks in bars has been prevalent. While the more
frequent occurrence is extreme sickness and loss of memory, some women have
been sexually assaulted while affected by the drug.

The chemical solution typically includes gamma butyrolactone (used in
pesticides and herbicides and as paint stripper for antique furniture) and
sodium hydroxide (also known as lye, a common drain cleaner).

It is generally sold on the street in clear liquid form for about $10 per
five-millilitre capful, Sylven said. Given the random nature of its
preparation, most often in clandestine labs, the potency of the drug and
its chemical composition can be completely variable, he said. Users have no
way of knowing what the strength is, which can lead to serious consequences.

The effects of GHB are often confused with alcohol overuse, Sylven said.
Users can seem sleepy or lethargic, and suffer vomiting and memory loss
during the time the drug is reacting in the system.

Those who suspect someone may have inadvertently taken GHB or is having a
violent reaction should call 911 for an ambulance, stay close to them and
ensure they don't fall or otherwise hurt themselves.