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News
Release [print
friendly page] DEA Seizes Operational GHB Lab in Newport Beach, California APR 4 -- (Los Angeles, California) – Ralph W. Partridge, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Los Angeles Field Division announced the seizure of an operational GHB laboratory at an apartment in Newport Beach, California. Earlier today in a joint investigation, DEA Agents and officers from the Westminster Police Department served a search warrant and found the GHB lab. In addition to the GHB lab, agents seized approximately 3 gallons of GHB, as well as quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, MDMA (ecstasy) and ketamine, as well as chemicals involved in the manufacture of GHB. The GHB lab was capable of producing up to 2 kilograms of solid GHB at a time. Two individuals have been arrested. GHB, gamma-hydroxybutyrate, is a powerful central nervous system depressant that the human body produces in small amounts. A synthetic version of GHB was developed in the 1920s as an anesthetic. Individuals abuse synthetic GHB because of its euphoric and sedative effects. Due to its anesthetic properties, GHB also has been used by sexual predators to incapacitate their victims. GHB and its analogs are illegal and are listed as Schedule I substances under the Controlled Substances Act. Schedule I drugs have a high potential for abuse and serve no legitimate medical purpose. This is an on-going DEA investigation and leads are being actively pursued and developed. Further information will be disseminated to press outlets when available for release. Please forward any questions to DEA Los Angeles Public Information Officer SA Sarah Pullen at (213) 621-6827.
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