A charge of criminal negligence has been laid against a Vancouver man whose
three-year-old daughter became sick Sunday night after drinking from a water
bottle which was laced with GHB, commonly known as the date rape drug.
Police say the 33-year-old father had been at a party Saturday night
and brought home a water bottle containing the drug.
The little girl was playing with her little brother the next day when she
drank from the water bottle and collapsed. Her mother called 911 and the
child was rushed to hospital, where she is currently recovering from
the drug overdose.
She was in serious condition for several hours, but is doing better. She is
expected to be able to return home soon.
Gamma Hydroxy Buterate, or GHB, is an odorless, colourless drug that is
usually added to water. Many partygoers use it to fight anxiety and
depression, to create a sense of euphoria and enhance sexual feelings.
Bodybuilders and athletes also use GHB to build muscle and enhance athletic
performance.
High doses of the drug can cause adults to lose consciousness and even
stop breathing.
Police say the drug could easily have been fatal to a child and the
three-year-old is lucky to be alive.
Vancouver Police Constable Anne Drennan said it's a reminder to
parents to keep potentially dangerous chemicals stowed away from small
children.
"It is a case where people should be aware that leaving anything that
can be toxic out where children are playing is always a serious risk, and
in this case it was just a completely irresponsible act that resulted
in the little girl's being so ill," Drennan said.