Customs and Border Protection agents in Philadelphia seized six gallons of the industrial solvent gamma butyrolactone, known on the street as “coma in a bottle” and liquid ecstasy.

As a drug, GBL is a central nervous system depressant with, as its moniker suggests, similar effects to ecstasy pills. While its intended use is to strip paint and rust, it is considered a schedule 1 controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Gamma butyrolactone, GBL for short, is also a precursor chemical for the “date rape drug” gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, otherwise known as GHB.

GHB is also used by bodybuilders to increase the release of growth hormones inside their bodies.

The “coma in a bottle” was sent in two shipments from France to a single address in Hillsborough County, Florida.

Each shipment contained a single plastic jug filled with German-made IndusClean brand industrial solvent. The two jugs were seized Saturday, Customs and Border Protection announced Wednesday.

Thus far, no arrests have been made in connection with the drug smuggling.

• Brad Matthews can be reached at bmatthews@washingtontimes.com.