Pubdate: Thu, 19 Sep 2002
Source: Deseret News (UT)
Copyright: 2002 Deseret News Publishing Corp.
Contact:  http://www.desnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/124
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/ashcroft.htm (Ashcroft, John)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?194 (Hutchinson, Asa)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/raids.htm (Drug Raids)

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.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom