NCJ Number
207116
Date Published
September 2004
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This intelligence bulletin reports on the use, availability, and distribution of GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate).
Abstract
GHB is a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act; it is a central nervous system depressant that produces euphoric and sedative effects. According to Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies, GHB is the substance most commonly used in the commission of drug-facilitated sexual assaults. While the availability of GHB varies across States, the overall availability appears to be increasing slightly. According to Monitoring the Future (MTF) data, the predominant users of GHB are adolescents, particularly those in the 10th and 12th grades. Data from the Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) indicate that the predominant GHB user group requiring emergency medical treatment is young adults between the ages of 18 and 25. Although there are no accepted estimates of how much GHB is produced illegally each year, GHB is known to be produced in domestic laboratories in most regions of the country. There is currently only one prescription form of GHB that is tightly controlled in terms of distribution. GHB is typically smuggled into the country from Canada, Europe, Mexico, and Israel via commercial airlines, mail services, or private vehicles. Operation Webslinger is described, which involved a 2-year investigation into a GHB distribution ring by the DEA. The future outlook for the use of GHB in the United States indicates that its use will remain limited and will likely not spread significantly beyond the predominant user group. Tables, sources