US TARGETING NET GHB DRUG SALES

WASHINGTON (AP)-- Authorities say they are making inroads against Internet
drug trafficking in more than 70 U.S. cities, announcing a series of
arrests and raids on dealers who are selling the "date rape" drug GHB.

The Drug Enforcement Administration has documented 72 deaths from GHB and
its derivatives, which are sold over the Internet to teenagers and young
adults by dealers who operate their own Web sites. The drugs are delivered
by mail.

A federal law enforcement official said about 25 major sellers were
considered primary targets of a recent sweep, the culmination of a two-year
investigation in which federal, state and local law enforcement agencies
coordinated efforts.

The federal official said the probe marks the first of its kind involving
the Internet and GHB.

Attorney General John Ashcroft and DEA Director Asa Hutchinson were to
detail the law enforcement operation at a news conference Thursday.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Customs Service and the FBI also
participated in the probe.

GHB is a mixture of common industrial chemicals that Congress outlawed 2
1/2 years ago. The drug and its derivatives GBL and 1,4 BD act as central
nervous system depressants and cause drowsiness, dizziness, nausea and loss
of inhibition.

Education efforts by law enforcement agencies and the government have been
aimed at warning women about predators who could spike their drinks with
the drug.

People who use it refer to GHB as "G" and "Liquid X."

The substance also is abused as a muscle growth hormone.