Two teenagers and one adult are now in hospital in Intensive Care after overdosing on GHB, (more commonly known as the date rape drug), at a weekend dance party.
Vancouver Police say just after 10 p.m. on Friday, May 31, they were called to a disturbance at the Polish Veterans Hall on Kingsway Avenue near Glen Drive.
About 100 youths and young adults were milling about on the street in front of the hall after leaving the party, and police say many appeared to be under the influence of drugs and alcohol. They dispersed the crowd and saw a 20-year-old man being carried out of the hall by his friends. The man was unresponsive and foaming at the mouth. He was suspected of overdosing on GHB and was taken to hospital.
Police then found a second person who appeared to be overdosing on GHB. He is 15-years-old and was also placed in the ICU when he was taken to hospital.
A short time later, police found a third victim a short distance from the event, unconscious and foaming at the mouth. The 14 year-old girl was taken to hospital and placed in ICU as she too was suspected of suffering a drug overdose related to GHB.
“We would like to encourage parents to have a conversation with their children regarding the harmful and potentially lethal consequences of consuming both recreational and prescription drugs,” said Sergeant Randy Fincham, spokesperson for the Vancouver Police Department.
“Police and community resources are available to assist families struggling with both recreational and habitual drug concerns.”
Quick Facts from the VPD
- Gamma-Hydroxybutyric Acid (GHB) is an illegal drug. In a medical setting GHB is used as an anesthetic, but is also used as an intoxicant on the street. In small doses of GHB can act as a stimulant and aphrodisiac.
- GHB is commonly referred to as “liquid ecstasy or the “date rape drug.”
- Consuming GHB with alcohol is dangerous as it can lead to vomiting, in combination with unconsciousness, and can potentially be lethal.
- GHB may be found as a white crystalline powder, or as GHB salt dissolved in water to form a clear odourless and colourless solution, with an oily appearance, as the GHB crystals may not completely dissolve in water.
- In its liquid form, GHB is commonly found in small vials or water bottles.
- GHB is traditionally manufactured in illicit basement drug labs where consumers have little knowledge or control over the drugs content.
- More information on the health risks related to the consumption of GHB can be found on the Health Canada website.
Vancouver Coastal Health provides free addiction services designed to meet the needs of youth between the ages of 12 and 24 struggling with substance misuse or addiction to drugs or alcohol.
Staff provide a range of prevention, education, counselling, treatment and support services, in collaboration with community agencies across the areas served by Vancouver Coastal Health.
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