Date rape drug GHB becoming popular recreational drug

While GHB is often referred to as the date rape drug, it's now being used primarily as a recreational drug, say Edmonton police.

"I liken GHB to very, very potent alcohol," said Insp. Darcy Strang. "And definitely you would have to take a small amount to mimic a significant amount of alcohol."

Strang stresses that GHB, or gamma-hydroxcybutyrate, is not harmless and, depending on the dose, could knock someone out or, in larger amounts, kill.

Four Edmontonians were arrested earlier this week after police found more than five litres of the colourless and odorless liquid while searching a home.

A few days earlier, police discovered 30 litres of the drug stored in jerry cans during a traffic stop.