gamma-Butyrolactone GBL - aka Liquid Ecstacy

A recent bust of 4 Hells Angels bikies and associates in Darwin uncovered large quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, cannabis, gamma-Butyrolactone, and a pair of knuckle dusters. Sergeant-at-arms Phillip O'Shea, 44, was charged with possessing methamphetamine and assaulting police at the time of his arrest. O'Shea has been refused bail.

γ-Butyrolactone (GBL) is a colorless liquid with a weak characteristic odor and profoundly disgusting taste. Soluble in water, GBL is a common solvent and reagent in chemistry as well as being used as a flavouring, as a cleaning solvent, and as a superglue remover. It is used on the street as an intoxicant with effects similar to alcohol.

GBL is not active in its own right; its action stems from its identity as a prodrug of GHB. A prodrug is a compound that, after administration, is metabolized (i.e., converted within the body) into a pharmacologically active drug. The hypnotic effect of GHB is enhanced by alcohol.