During the course of the investigations into the death of two men in Peterhead on Saturday 27 September 2008, Grampian Police have recovered a quantity of a substance known as GBL.

GBL (Gamma-butyrolactone) is rapidly converted into GHB (Gamma-hydroxybutyrate), which is known as liquid ecstasy, when ingested into the human body.

Inspector David Smith, Substance Misuse Co-ordinator with Grampian Police, said:  “There is little evidence of the widespread misuse of the substance but it is known that its use can lead to potentially serious consequences.

“A very small amount of it can have an adverse effect on the body.  Those who abuse it may end up in hospital as the result of an emergency admission and there have been fatalities reported which have subsequently shown traces of the chemical being present.”

GBL is a substance which is legally and widely used in the chemical industry.

Insp Smith added:  “People who seek to misuse GBL need to be aware of the potentially serious consequences that can arise from taking the substance and anyone experiencing ill effects should seek assistance immediately.

“Everyone can potentially help save someone’s life and anyone who witnesses a possible drug overdose should contact the emergency services immediately – seconds can be vital and it is essential that immediate action is taken.  Placing an unconscious person in the recovery position makes choking less likely and can also increase the chances of survival while awaiting the emergency services.

“There is heightened risk associated with substance misuse and these risks increase when taken with alcohol and other substances.”

In a direct message to those involved in substance misuse, he reiterated:  ”It is important to know the dangers associated with taking any substance and also what is contained within any legal or illegal substance, especially when these are supplied or obtained from other sources which may not be reputable and cannot guarantee its content or subsequent effect.”

Inquiries are continuing into the circumstances of the death of the two men and at this time the cause of death cannot be confirmed.