Pubdate: Wed, 05 Dec 2001 Source: Winnipeg Free Press (CN MB) Copyright: 2001 Winnipeg Free Press Contact: http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/502 Author: Bruce Owen POLICE SEIZE 166 VIALS OF GHB Illegal Drug Packs A Dangerous Punch A routine check on a 17-year-old youth by city police Monday uncovered 276 millilitres of GHB, a relatively new drug on the city's drug scene, but one that can pack a dangerous punch, police say. Vice Insp. Stan Tataryn said police seized 110 two-ml vials and 56 one-ml vials of GHB (Gamma Hydroxy Butyrate), as well as 110 grams of marijuana from a St. Anne's Road address when they were investigating an unrelated matter. The GHB and marijuana seized Monday had a street value of about $6,700. Tataryn said this is only the second time police have seized GHB, a colourless, odourless and tasteless liquid taken to achieve simultaneous ecstasy and alcohol-like effects. Before Monday, police had only seized one vial of the drug. What's more worrisome for police is that the drug, which sells for $10 to $40 a vial, could have been made in a clandestine lab in or just outside city outskirts. "But that's the thing," Tataryn said. "You don't know where it's made. It could be in a lab or a toilet bowl." The other concern with GHB is that there's a fine line between a pleasurable high and going into a coma and suffering long-term health effects. "It can take your kidneys," Tataryn added. The drug bust -- the teen has been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking -- follows the arrests of five students for drug dealing at Kelvin High School last Friday. Two more students were arrested Monday night by city police and officers plan to arrest two more students. They were each nabbed by a 33-year-old female undercover officer posing as a student, as they sold her small amounts of marijuana and ecstasy. Use of GHB is unpredictable, as too much can easily cause unconsciousness. Some users have already ended up at the Health Sciences Centre emergency ward. In the U.S., the liquid is known as a date-rape drug. Its use has also resulted in fatalities and manslaughter charges. Medical experts say GHB was originally developed as an anesthetic, but was withdrawn due to unwanted side effects. The only legal use of GHB has been in investigational treatment for narcolepsy. Medical journals say GHB decreases body fat - some body builders use GHB as a growth hormone stimulant - and induces sleep. For young drug users, it's taken to increase their sense of awareness and to reduce inhibitions at raves or nightclubs. However, if people take too much, it can cause vomiting, drowsiness, dizziness, vertigo, seizures and comas. Users are cautioned not to drink alcohol or use other drugs when using GHB, as chances of an overdose increase significantly. - --- MAP posted-by: Josh