“Sea Water” (GHB) is one of the most dangerous aphrodisiac drugs, widely exploited by many rapists to control their victims.
This drug, abbreviated as GHB (Gamma Hydroxybutyrate), is a central nervous system depressant available in liquid or tablet form. Globally, GHB is referred to as the “rape drug” or “club drug”, while in Vietnam, it is known as “sea water” or “Vitamin G.”
According to the People’s Police Newspaper (CAND), GHB is essentially a compound used for cleaning electronic components. In its liquid form, GHB is odorless and has a slightly salty taste. When concentrated, it becomes a white powder.
Additionally, CAND reports that the sea water drug appeared in Vietnam before 2010 and has been sold and used by a significant portion of partygoers in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in small bottles with a capacity of 50 – 100ml. The selling price for a 50ml bottle of sea water was around 800,000 – 1,000,000 VND back in 2009. Currently, a bottle of sea water is rumored among “partygoers” to cost up to 4 million VND for a small bottle.
GHB is a compound used for cleaning electronic components. In its liquid form, GHB is odorless and has a slightly salty taste. When concentrated, it becomes a white powder.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), when GHB is absorbed into the body, it creates feelings of euphoria, muscle relaxation, increased sexual desire, and aids in sedation. However, its side effects include loss of consciousness, vomiting, hallucinations, and ultimately temporary paralysis.
As a result, rapists often mix GHB into food and beverages, rendering victims paralyzed and unable to resist their vile acts. Even more seriously, GHB can cause temporary amnesia, leaving victims largely unaware of what happened after they regain consciousness. This is why GHB is referred to as the “rape drug” or rape narcotic.
In the past, some bodybuilders have used GHB to enhance protein metabolism to “accelerate their progress” during training. However, due to the horrific consequences, GHB has been classified by the FDA and many countries as a “controlled substance” harmful to society. In the U.S., GHB is still used for medical purposes under strict FDA supervision.
According to the FDA, legal products containing GHB are heavily regulated, so it is likely that the “sea water” circulating in the market is an illegal product. Additionally, traffickers often mix impurities into GHB to “boost” its potency, making its pharmacological effects much stronger and potentially addictive.
