HOUSTON, Texas — Federal Agents in Customs and Border Protection (CBP) stopped 27 gallons of what they describe as a “date rape chemical” from entering the U.S. in one month through a port of entry. The smuggling attempt occurred at the Indianapolis International Airport.

The chemical is Gamma-Butyrolactone (GBL), described by federal authorities as “strong intoxicant” and a “precursor” to Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate (GHB).

According to the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN), the substance can be “twice as potent as GHB. It has a bitter taste that can easily be masked by strong-tasting drinks. GBL now comes in flavors such as lime, cinnamon, and cherry. Once ingested it takes approximately 30-45 minutes to take effect.” The group also asserts that the substance causes severe amnesia and does not always cause a victim to act abnormally, thus rendering the victim’s family or friends unable to determine the victim has been drugged.

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