Date rape drug seized by customs
Swiss customs have seized 151 litres of the illegal “date rape” drug gammabutyrolactone (GBL) in the past seven months.
The amount is equal to 75,000 two-millilitre doses of the substance, which is also often taken for recreational use. It has been listed as an illegal drug in Switzerland since 2002.
Most such synthetic drugs are ordered over the internet and delivered by post to Switzerland, according to the Federal Health Office. Suppliers are based in Germany, the Netherlands, Britain, Eastern Europe and Asia.
Customs have stepped-up checks for GBL since the autumn. Five kilograms of other synthetic drugs have also been seized.
In its pure form, GBL is used to produce paint stripper. People using it for drug purposes are exposing themselves to unknown risks, as dosages and the elements used in producing the drug vary, the Federal Health Office warned.
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