Grande Prairie RCMP is investigating recent incidents involving the street level drug GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate). Police would like to bring awareness to local residents of the possibility that suspected GHB street level drugs are in our region.

GHB is a central nervous system depressant that is often placed in alcoholic beverages. The person taking the drug may become incapacitated due to the sedative effects which may lead other individuals to believe the person is overdosing. Negative effects may include sweating, loss of consciousness, hallucinations, nausea, amnesia, vomiting, exhaustion, confusion, clumsiness, sluggishness and coma/death.

GHB can be bought on the street or over the internet in a liquid form or as white powder. It is taken orally and frequently combined with alcohol. In liquid form it is thicker than water however, is tasteless, odorless and colorless. It can be slipped into a drink without someone noticing. Much of the GHB found on the streets or over the internet is produced illegally using chemicals and processes that vary from lab to lab. It may be altered with unknown contaminants that may worsen the toxicity.

If you or someone around you is experiencing overdose symptoms call 911 and seek medical attention immediately.

Grande Prairie RCMP continue to investigate.

Police are requesting residents to contact Grande Prairie RCMP at 780-830-5700 if they find any suspicious substances, and avoid contact with street level drugs believed to be GHB. If you have any information regarding any suspicious incidents, or have knowledge of any drug activity in our region, please contact the Grande Prairie RCMP, or your local police. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-545-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the "P3 TIPS" available through the APPLE APP of Google Play Store.

Information provided by the Grande Prairie RCMP