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Two lawmakers propose to make the date rape drug GHB illegal

February 3, 2000
By: Laetitia Thompson
State Capital Bureau

Police made the first arrest in Missouri in connection with the date rape drug GHB in St. Louis when two women almost died.

But GHB isn't illegal in Missouri and one lawmaker wants to change that.

Laetitia Thompson has the story from the state capitol.

Story:
RunTime:
OutCue: SOC

In varying doses GHB can increase your libido...make you feel drunk...pass out or even kill you.

But Kansas City Representative Bill Boucher says the main reason he wants to ban GHB is because it's used for rape.

Boucher says his bill gives longer jail time to individuals using GHB to drug others than for those using GHB for themselves.

Actuality:BOUCHER1
RunTime: 12SEC
OutCue: "YOUR OWN BODY."
Contents: BOUCHER SAYS THERE IS A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CAUSING HARM TO SOMEONE ELSE RATHER THAN BEING STUPID AND HARMING YOUR OWN BODY.

GHB is an oderless...colorless and nearly tasteless liquid commonly created by combining chemicals including degreaser...floor stripper and drain cleaner.

From Jefferson City, I'm Laetitia Thompson.

Even though St. Louis authorities made the first arrest involving the date rape drug GHB in Missouri...no law exists banning GHB in the state.

Two bills coming before the House aim to change that.

Laetitia Thompson has the story from the state capitol.

Story:
RunTime:
OutCue: SOC

Springfield Representative Craig Hosmer and Kansas City Representative Bill Boucher are working together to make GHB illegal.

Hosmer says GHB has become very popular despite the extreme risks associated with large doses and alcohol.

Actuality:HOSMER
RunTime: 17SEC
OutCue: "MANUFACTURE AND DISTRIBUTION."
Contents: HOSMER SAYS THE LAST FEW YEARS HAVE SEEN GHB USED A LOT MORE OFTEN WITH RAPES AND DEATH MAKING A NEED TO CRIMINALIZE IT.

At least five deaths have been connected to GHB in Missouri.

From Jefferson City, I'm Laetitia Thompson.

Authorities in St. Louis have made the first arrest in Missouri involving the date rape drug GHB.

But GHB is not illegal in Missouri and one lawmaker wants to change that.

Laetitia Thompson has the story from the state capitol...

Story:
RunTime:
OutCue: SOC

Kansas City Representative Bill Boucher says his bill will ban the use...possession and manufacture of GHB.

In small doses GHB produces an alcohol-like state that increases the libido...but in larger doses GHB can kill.

But Boucher says what concern him most is how GHB is used to rape women.

Actuality:BOUCHER3
RT20 SEC
OutCue: "INTICE YOUNG LADIES."
Contents: BOUCHER SAYS HE WHAT HE'S BANNING IS THE BASEMENT MANUFACTURE TO INTICE YOUNG LADIES.

In Boucher's bill a person using GHB as a date rape drug could receive up to seven years in jail.

From Jefferson City, I'm Laetitia Thompson.