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JOHN BISSET / THINGS
The boy sustained critical internal injuries after taking a high-risk drug gamma-butyrolactone (GBL). (File photo)
A boy is fighting for his life at Starship Children’s Hospital after using the drug GBL, often known as fantasy.
Acting Detective Sergeant Major Michele Gillespie confirmed to Stuff that the child sustained critical internal injuries after consuming what is believed to be GBL or gamma-butyrolactone.
A St John spokesperson confirmed the boy was taken to Starship following the incident on Great South Rd in Takanini, south of Auckland, around 7pm on Tuesday.
“The police are conducting further investigations into the matter and we are also in contact with Oranga Tamariki,” Gillespie said.
The NZ Drug Foundation says that GBL “slows down the body” and has a “very high” risk of overdose.
“A standard dose is very small and using a little more can result in an overdose that can be fatal,” says the foundation’s website.
Signs of a GBL overdose include: vomiting, loss of control of body movements, tremors, tremors, or seizures; lack of response to pain, profuse sweating, loss of consciousness / unresponsiveness, low body temperature, breathing that has slowed below 15-20 breaths per minute (respiratory depression), says the website.
It is usually ingested in liquid form or mixed with a drink and is rare in New Zealand.
Abigail Dougherty / Stuff
The boy was rushed to Starship Children’s Hospital in critical condition. (File photo)
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The drug is considered a Class B substance under the Drug Misuse Act. Those caught with the drug in their possession face up to three years in prison and a $ 500 fine.
Anyone who imported, manufactured or supplied GBL could be imprisoned for up to 10 years.
