Pubdate: Fri, 14 Feb 2003
Source: Burlington Post (CN ON)
Copyright: 2003 Burlington Post
Contact:  http://www.haltonsearch.com/hr/bp/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1528
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?158 (Club Drugs)

POLICE WARN ABOUT 'CLUB DRUG' OVERDOSES

Three Separate Incidents Have Authorities Issuing Caution About GHB Use

Halton Regional Police have issued a caution to the public after ambulances 
were called to three different locations in Burlington to aid people 
suffering from drug overdoses.

In each case police say the rave or 'club drug' Gamma-hydroxybutyrio acid, 
better known as GHB, was the culprit.

Members of Halton police's Drug and Morality Bureau say two of the 
incidents occurred last Saturday. They involved a 30-year-old male at a 
local bar and a female at a house.

A third incident occurred last Sunday afternoon at a club.

In each case the affected individual was overcome by the drug.

The 27-year-old out-of-town man who was at the club collapsed and had a 
seizure, say police.

In all three cases the people were taken to hospital, treated and released.

GHB, also known as G or liquid ecstasy, is not the so-called 'date rape' 
drug, said Halton Det. Al Albano. GHB is available in liquid, capsule and 
powder forms.

Police say in this area it is usually seen as a colourless, odourless 
liquid that can be dissolved in other liquids, most notably alcoholic drinks.

When combined with alcohol it can cause nausea and difficulty breathing. It 
can also cause vomiting, seizures, liver failure or result in a coma.

GHB is a drug that depresses the central nervous system and produces 
euphoric and hallucinatory states. The effects begin 10-20 minutes after 
taking the drug and last about four hours.

Police are asking that anyone with information about individuals making or 
selling GHB or other dangerous drugs call them at 905-634-1831, ext. 5043 
or make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
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