DEATH IN A BOTTLE

Liquid Ecstasy Can Kill, Police Say, And It's Available On Our Streets

Winnipeg police fear a potentially lethal street drug called liquid ecstasy
may become the latest trend among young people looking for a high.

"We are concerned that all of a sudden we see it now," vice division Insp.
Stan Tataryn said yesterday.

But street sources say liquid ecstasy, also known as GHB (gamma hydroxy
butyrate), has been around for several years -- and most young people know
to steer clear of it.

"About three years ago maybe four, that's when people started talking about
it (GHB)," said a source who requested anonymity. "It's a scary thing."

17-YEAR-OLD BUSTED

Monday night, police arrested and charged a 17-year-old boy with intent to
traffic after finding 110 grams of marijuana, 110 two-millilitre bottles of
liquid ecstasy and 56 one-millilitre bottles of liquid E in his possession.

Police were at the 17-year-old's St. Anne's Road residence on another
matter when they made the discovery. The total street value of the drugs
seized was $6,810.

Tataryn said he's concerned about who is buying the drug.

"This is a 17-year-old kid," said Tataryn. "We don't know who he's selling
to, but you will always assume they're selling to their peers."

Tataryn is also concerned that people may be unaware of GHB's side-effects
- -- a small overdose can cause the user to pass out and slip into a coma.

"If it's (GHB) going to be out there, these people should know what the
side-effects are," said Tataryn.

The Web site of the Cognitive Enhancement Research Institute of California
states GHB was first developed in the late '60s as an anesthetic but was
quickly discarded because of its dangerous side-effects.

In the '80s, GHB was a favourite among some bodybuilders because of its
ability to stimulate growth hormones, the institute says.

GHB was sold over the counter at health food stores but was soon labelled a
narcotic by the American government, making it illegal to possess.

By the '90s, GHB was making its mark on the underground scene because of
its similar effects to ecstasy, the institute says.

PROFILE OF A KILLER DRUG

- - What is liquid ecstasy? Gamma hydroxy butyrate (GHB), liquid ecstasy, is
an odourless recreational drug. GHB is most commonly sold by the bottle and
has a salty taste.

- - How is liquid ecstasy taken? A small dosage of the drug is mixed with
juice or water, then sipped.

- - What is dosage? A normal dose of GHB is one teaspoon or one capsule of
the powdered form. There are about nine doses in one bottle.

- - What are the effects? GHB has euphoric effects when taken in small
amounts. It increases the sense of touch, and lasts for two to three hours.
Side-effects include nausea, vomiting and in some cases unconsciousness.

- - Common names for GHB include: liquid ecstasy, liquid X, cherry meth and G.