Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Death blamed on `GBH' drug

Jason Bennetto
Friday 15 March 1996 19:02 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A 21-year-old woman is believed to be the first person in Britain to have died from taking a new designer drug known as GBH it emerged yesterday, writes Jason Bennetto.

The drug, gamma hydroxy butyrate, heightens sexual awareness and is becoming popular on the dance scene. The Department of Health is investigating several companies for making the drug, which is illegal to produce but not to use or possess. It was banned in the US after it was blamed for causing comas and seizures.

An inquest on Wednesday heard that Abby Reading, 21, a bar worker, took the drug with a small amount of alcohol at a friend's house in Stourbridge, West Midlands. She was found collapsed the next day.

The inquest at Dudley, West Midlands, was told she died of heart and respiratory failure.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in