Judi Clark,
mother of Samantha Reid, joined Attorney General John Ashcroft
and DEA Administrator Asa Hutchinson to announce the success of
Operation Webslinger and to spread awareness of the dangers of
GHB.
"DATE RAPE" DRUG
SOLD OVER THE INTERNET
More than 80 U.S. Cities Targeted by International Operation
 Chief Lee Heath of the U.S. Postal Inspectors, DEA Administrator Asa Hutchinson, and Deputy Director Mark Bullock of the FBI announce the results of Operation Webslinger. |
Attorney General John Ashcroft today joined DEA Administrator Asa Hutchinson to unveil an unprecedented takedown of Internet-based drug-trafficking operations. Operation Webslinger, a multi-jurisdictional investigation, targeted the illegal internet trafficking of "date rape" drugs such as GHB and its derivatives, GBL and 1,4 Butanediol (1,4 BD).
For complete press release click here>>>
UPDATES:
Two Main Operation WebSlinger Defendants Sentenced
Click here to read the January 30, 2004 press release about their sentencing>>
Two Main Operation Webslinger Defendants Plead Guilty
Click here to read the October 28, 2003 press release about the guilty plea>>
Click
here for clip of Attorney General John Ashcroft speaking at the
press conference >>>
(Transcript: "Today's announcement is a dose of harsh reality for drug
traffickers who seek to exploit the vast market and anonymity of cyberspace.")
Click
here for clip of DEA Administrator Asa Hutchinson speaking at the
press conference >>>
(Transcript: "Drug
Enforcement Administration agents and our law enforcement partners
across the country arrested 115 traffickers in 84 cities across the
country from San Francisco to St. Louis, and from Baltimore to Birmingham.")
 Jamie Zuieback of the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network |
 Congressman Steve Chabot (R-Ohio), a lead congressional supporter of anti-drug legislation, was in attendance. Seated next to the Congressman is Jeannie Gregori, the Chief of Staff to the Director of the Department of Justice, Office for the Victims of Crime. |
John
Varrone, Assistant Commisioner, U.S. Customs Service
Internet Response to Arrests and Seizures
Excerpts
from Internet Drug "Chat Rooms"
Users' Responses to Operation Webslinger Indicate Significant Impact
"Am I the only one who feels like we've reached the end of an era? Until this week, people could order GBL and BD from foreign suppliers with little risk. Even if a package for stopped by Customs, odds were very high that nothing would happened besides a seizure letter, especially if it was a quantity consistent with personal use.
The Pelchat operation has been shut down. Who does that leave? Do you feel confident that your local dealer doesn't use something like lye drain cleaner from the grocery store which might contain toxic metals. Gawd, I wish I'd stocked up on GBL and BD supplements back when you could buy them from domestic suppliers. But those days are past, I've used up all my BD and I can't buy any more. It was nice knowing you G. "
What is GHB?
GHB
is a central nervous system depressant which causes drowsiness, dizziness,
nausea, loss of inhibition, memory loss and visual disturbances.
GHB is abused to produce euphoric, intoxication, and hallucinogenic
states, and for it's alleged role as a growth hormone releasing agent
to stimulate muscles. Some users also report that it is an aphrodisiac.
GHB has been used to assist in the commission of sexual assaults
because it renders the victim incapable of resisting and often causes
memory problems. Therefore, GHB is commonly referred as a "Date-Rape
Drug."
More info>>
What Are GBL and 1,4 Butanediol (1,4BD)?
These substances are GHB analogues, meaning that they are chemically similar to GHB. In fact, the human body converts them into GHB after they are ingested-therefore than can be considered as essentially the same drug with the same side effects as GHB.
GHB, GBL and 1,4BD as Date Rape Drugs
GHB,
GBL, and BD 1,4 have gained notoriety as drugs used to facilitate
sexual assault, adding an urgency to law enforcement efforts to pursue
traffickers of these drugs.
More Info>>>
What Are Club Drugs?
"Club
Drugs" has become a widely used term for a number of illicit
drugs that are most commonly encountered at nightclubs and all-night
parties called "raves." The three primary club drugs are
Ecstasy, Ketamine, and GHB. Many other drugs are generally available
in the club and rave circuit, however these three drugs are more
closely associated with clubs because that is where they are most
frequently used.
More
Info>>
Links to Other Agencies
-
U.S. Postal Inspectors
www.usps.com/postalinspectors