What Amounts of GBL Are Diverted for Conversion to GHB?
DEA is aware that GBL is diverted in a variety of sizes to produce GHB. Unscrupulous suppliers, including those operating through the internet, supply different size containers to the public. GBL diverted from well-known and well-established reputable companies has also been identified. At least fifteen companies operated internet sites that sold GBL and potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide. The latter two chemicals are used to convert GBL to GHB in a simple one-step chemical reaction. These sites sold GBL either separately or in “GHB kits.” A kit contains premeasured amounts of GBL and potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide, as needed to produce GHB. GBL has been made available to anyone who desires it in quantities ranging from 75, 150, and 450 grams, to 55-gallon drums. Most DEA documented diversion or attempted diversion of GBL is in 500-gram, three-kilogram, one-gallon, three-gallon, five-gallon, and 55-gallon sizes. Usually, multiple containers are found at GHB manufacturing
