KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Shawnee man has been sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for trying to produce the club drug GHB, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today. The judge also ordered a $100,000 money judgment against him.

Richard B. Smith, III, 35, Shawnee, Kan., pleaded guilty to three counts of possessing GBL (gamma-butyrolactone) with intent to manufacture GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyric acid) and one count of attempted possession. In his plea, Smith admitted that in 2006 and 2007 he obtained four 30-gallon drums of GBL with the intent of the GBL being converted to GHB so it could be resold. Smith, who worked for Schindler Elevator, obtained the GBL from Barton Solvents by pretending to be a construction and application engineer for Schindler when in fact he was a sales representative.

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, GHB is also known by the street name “liquid ecstasy.” It is popular among teens and young adults at dance clubs and raves. In lower doses it causes drowsiness, dizziness and visual disturbances. At higher doses it can cause unconsciousness, seizures and severe respiratory depression.

Grissom commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, Assistant U.S. Attorney David Zabel and Assistant U.S. Attorney Trent Krug for their work on the case.

 

 

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