CBP seizes gallons of liquid ecstasy named ‘Coma in a Bottle’ headed for Florida
Luke Gentile
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Officers with U.S. Customs and Border Protection intercepted at least six gallons of liquid ecstasy referred to as “Coma in a Bottle” Saturday as it was being prepared to be shipped from Philadelphia to Florida.
“Coma in a Bottle” is the street term for GBL or gamma-butyrolactone, which is a precursor chemical for the dangerous acid gamma-hydroxybutyric and an industrial chemical solvent, according to a release by CBP.
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“The GBL arrived in liquid form in two separate shipments. Both shipments arrived from France and were destined to an address in Hillsborough County, Fla,” the release read. “Inside each shipment was a single clear plastic jug filled with an opaque liquid. Officers used a handheld elemental isotope analysis tool and identified the liquid as GBL, a DEA Schedule 1 controlled substance.”
GBL, an analogue of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), is known to be a highly addictive depressant that targets an individual’s central nervous system and carries a myriad of risks, including coma, respiratory distress, and death, according to the release.
“GHB is used by sexual predators as a date-rape drug, and by bodybuilders to increase growth hormone,” the release read. “Used properly, GBL is an industrial solvent that strips paint and rust.”
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No arrests relating to the seizure have been reported.
“Customs and Border Protection will continue to use our border security authority to search suspect international parcels and intercept dangerous products that could seriously harm American citizens,” Rene Ortega, Acting Area Port Director for CBP’s Area Port of Philadelphia, said. “This is a mission and responsibility that we take very seriously.”