Detection of Gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) and 1,4-Butanediol (1,4-BD) in Illegal samples in Thailand

Abstract

Gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) and 1,4-Butanediol (1,4-BD), which are widely used in chemical industry, have their structures similar to gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB). They are known as a prodrug and rapidly converted to GHB after oral ingestion, which can be addicted. Both are date-rape drugs and become drug misused in Europe. They are frequently mixed with alcohol, thereby enhancing central nervous system depressant effects which may lead to respiratory depression, loss of consciousness and coma. As a result, a number of deaths have been reported. In Thailand, GHB is classified as a psychotropic substance schedule 1 in the Psychotropic Substances Act B.E.2518 while GBL and 1,4-BD are classified as a hazardous substance Type 3 in the Hazardous Substance Act B.E.2535. Both chemicals have not been controlled substances in the United Nations Convention Psychotropic Substances, and legal regulations are also different in many countries. The objective of this study was to identify GHB in 10 seized clear liquid samples collected by the Department of Medical sciences in 2015-2016. It was found that all of them were not GHB, but four samples were GBL and the other six samples were 1,4-BD. Drug abuse of GBL and 1,4-BD had never been reported in Thailand. There was a tendency of illegal use of GBL and 1,4-BD as an alternative to GHB for avoiding law enforcement. This information is useful for relevent authori-ties for both drug abuse monitoring and taking appropriate prevention and control actions.