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Potency drugs banned
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Posted on Jun 29 2000
The Department of Public Health has banned the importation of drugs or supplements containing Gamma Hydroxibutyrate (GHB), Gamma-Butyrolactone (GBL), 1.4 Butanediol (BD) or related compounds into the CNMI after these were listed as hazardous by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Public Health Secretary Joseph Kevin Villagomez yesterday said GHB, GBL, BD and like compounds are often marketed and used to enhance sexual activity, improve physical performance, build muscles, reduce stress and induce sleep.
In addition, these products have been used as recreational drugs, sometimes advertised in muscle building magazines, marketed over the Internet, and have been sold in health food stores in the past. “These drugs are known to adversely impact heart, respiratory and the central nervous system function leading to comatose or even death in some instances,” Mr. Villagomez said.
The U.S. FDA has requested that Public Health Department across the US mainland and territories assist them in their efforts to remove these potentially life-threatening products from the marketplace before they are distributed to the public.
In response, the Bureau of Environmental Health has begun surveillance for these compounds in their efforts to protect public health and in accordance with Public Law 11-40, otherwise known as the Pure Food, Drug and Cosmetic Device Act of 1998.
The department has warned the community against importation of drugs containing these compounds due to the potential health threat.
For more information concerning the importation or sale of these drugs, contact BEH at 664-4870 or call 664-4677 after office hours.
