Danger of liquid ecstasy.

POLICE investigating a double drugs death warned of the dangers of liquid ecstasy yesterday.

A quantity of GBL, gammabutyorlactone, was found during the probe into the deaths of two unemployed fishermen.

Mark Davidson and Michael Robertson were found in a flat in Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, last Saturday evening.

Toxicology tests have still to be completed but Grampian Police have already confirmed the deaths are drug-related.

When taken, GBL is rapidly turned into the date-rape drug GHB - known as liquid ecstasy. It heightens sexual awareness.

Substance misuse co-ordinator Inspector David Smith said: "There is little evidence of the widespread misuse of the substance but it is known that its use can lead to potentially serious consequences.

"People who seek to misuse GBL need to be aware of the potentially serious consequences that can arise."

Drugs counsellor Janice Jess said: "if GBL or GHB is circulating in Peterhead, then I have no doubt it will be being used by others who may not know it is potentially lethal."

GBL is legally and widely used in the chemical industry.

But the Government are taking steps to make it and 1,4-BD - which also turns into GHB in the body - into Class C controlled drugs.