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TORONTO — Two people have been charged in connection with the seizure of a large quantity of chemicals used to make date rape drugs, with an estimated street value of more than $500,000.

Toronto police said Canada Border Service Agents intercepted a couriered shipment that was labelled as containing 36 kilograms of cinnamyl acetate, a legal fragrance or flavouring ingredient that can also be used in cosmetic products.

Investigators tested the substance and discovered it was Gamma-Butyrolactone, the only restricted ingredient required to make Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate, or GHB, more commonly known as a date rape drug.

Police said the seized GBL could have produced 264 litres of GHB, or 53,000 doses of the drug, with an estimated street value of $527,000.

Toronto Drug Squad officers arrested one of the alleged importers and recipients on Wednesday.

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Ayron Borovic, 30, of Oshawa, has been charged with two counts of possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking, possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime, failing to comply with a recognizance order and unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon.

On Thursday, police arrested the second alleged importer and intended recipient.

Malik Jadavji, 38, of Toronto, has been charged with importing a Schedule VI substance, two counts of possessing a Class A precursor for the purpose of producing the preparation or mixture and three counts of possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking.

They are scheduled to appear in court in Toronto on Jan. 18.