‘Coma in a Bottle’ Drug Seized at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson Airport

Last week, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) intercepted over five pounds of a dangerous substance known as Gamma Butyrolactone (GBL), often referred to as "liquid ecstasy" or "coma in a bottle." The seizure took place on August 21st when a 26-year-old American passenger arriving from Spain was found carrying the illegal substance in two containers within his luggage.

GBL is a highly addictive drug that can cause severe health issues, including sleepiness, memory loss, respiratory distress, coma, and even death. Due to the extreme danger posed by the substance, the passenger was immediately arrested by airport authorities and handed over to the Clayton County Police Department for state prosecution.

Other Seizures at ATL

Hartsfield-Jackson airport, a major entry point into the United States, has seen numerous seizures of illegal and harmful items over the years. While CBP officers focus on intercepting dangerous substances, the airport's Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) team has also been involved in controversial cash seizures.

In one notable 2021 incident, the DEA wrongfully seized $8,500 from a passenger, who later successfully reclaimed the money through legal action. This case has highlighted broader concerns about the frequency and legitimacy of cash seizures at the airport.

Unusual Seizures at Other Airports

Airports across the United States frequently encounter attempts to smuggle illegal items. Recently, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) officials revealed that they had intercepted over 4,000 illegal wildlife items from international passengers. Similarly, earlier this year, CBP officers at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) seized mummified monkey remains from a passenger arriving from Paris. These incidents underscore the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in preventing the illegal importation of prohibited items.