Celebrities among users of date-rape drug 'liquid ecstasy' – NBI

The National Bureau of Investigation said that high-profile individuals are among users of gamma hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) or liquid ecstasy, which have supposedly been used in “date-rape” incidents.

In a report from GMA's “24 Oras” on Friday, NBI Anti-Illegal Drugs Unit Chief Atty. Joel Tovera confirmed this development and said they already have a list of suspected GHB users.

“Marami na po tayong natatanggap na tawag na itong mga ganitong klase ng tao ay gumagamit ng GHB. We will consider those information subject to further verification by our agents on the ground,” Tovera said.



NBI agents seized samples of the substance during raids in Mandaluyong City earlier this week.

NBI Technical Services Unit Dep. Dir. Atty. Rafael Ragos said the liquid samples have been tested by their forensic experts, with some testing positive for GHB.

“So far this has been submitted to our toxicology and chemistry division. They're conducting chemical analysis and instrumental analaysis to get the identities of the drugs,” Ragos said.

Primary chemical substance

The NBI is also checking a lead that GHB is already being produced in the country with gamma butyrolactone (GBL) as the primary chemical substance.

GBL is also a main chemical substance used for creating paint, thinners, adhesive and tape.

The Dangerous Drugs Board has not yet classified GBL as a prohibited drug, which allows anyone from the country to export it en masse from European countries.

The DDB said it is currently studying steps to include GBL in the list of regulated or prohibited substances in the market in hopes of countering liquid ecstasy production. -- Drei Medina/JST, GMA News