Teen critically ill after taking ‘coma in a bottle’ drug

The 18-year-old from Chichester, but who was staying in Wick, was taken home where relatives became concerned by his condition and he was taken into Worthing Hospital later that day.

Tests have shown that there is evidence of use of Class B drugs, but it has not been established that this is definitely a contributory factor to his illness, Sussex Police has said,

He remains in a medically-induced coma in a critical condition.

Police were alerted on Monday (October 6) and have launched an enquiry to trace his movements and who he may have associated with in the time leading up to when he was found.

Detective Sergeant Colin O’Hare said: “We believe that this young man may have taken amphetamine and possibly the drug GBL - worryingly and euphemistically known as ‘coma in a bottle’.

“GBL (gammabutyrolactone) and GHB (gammahydroxybutrate) are closely related, dangerous drugs with similar sedative and anaesthetic effects. GBL is converted to GHB shortly after entering the body. Both produce a feeling of euphoria and can reduce inhibitions and cause sleepiness.

“However, both can kill and are particularly dangerous when used with alcohol and other depressant or sedative substances.”

You can find out more about the substances at www.talktofrank.com/drug/ghb.

If you have any information about this incident or the supply of this or any other drug, please email [email protected], call 101 or if you prefer to remain anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting serial 562 of 06/10.