PHILADELPHIA, PA — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Philadelphia seized 2.5 quarts of gamma-butyrolactone, or GBL, on April 25 after discovering the chemical inside parcels shipped from Spain and destined for Massachusetts.
The two parcels arrived from Barcelona and were manifested as “skincare essential oils and resino,” according to CBP. Both shipments were addressed to the same destination in Everett, Massachusetts.
During an inspection, officers discovered eight small bottles labeled “Tonico Facial Calmiante,” which translates to “soothing facial toner.” CBP officers tested the clear liquid using a handheld elemental isotope analysis device and identified the substance as GBL.
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, GBL is an industrial solvent commonly used in products such as paint removers, cleaners, adhesives, and nail polish removers. The chemical is tightly regulated in the United States because it is a precursor to gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, or GHB, a Schedule I controlled substance.
Federal authorities said GHB and GBL are abused recreationally because they can mimic the effects of alcohol. The substances can also cause unconsciousness, seizures, respiratory depression, vomiting, coma, and death.
CBP also warned that GHB has been used by sexual predators to incapacitate victims and has been abused by bodybuilders seeking to increase human growth hormone production and promote deep sleep.
“GBL and GHB are very dangerous chemical substances that could imperil the health of deliberate users and traumatize unsuspecting victims,” said Elliot N. Ortiz, acting area port director for the CBP Area Port of Philadelphia. “Intercepting dangerous drugs is one way in which CBP officers help to keep our communities safe.”
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