NIGHTCLUBBERS are being warned to steer clear of a drug drink which has been dubbed by users as "liquified ecstasy." Dance floor drug GHB is already believed to have claimed its first life. Andrea Murphy, 25, of Wigan, died after taking the drug, which is similar to the substance film heart-throb River Phoenix died after taking four years ago.

Now East Lancashire drug action groups have moved swiftly to alert clubgoers to the potential dangers of taking GHB - known colloquially as GBH, Liquid E or Liquid X - which is used in America for sedation.

Ian Phillips, of the Lancashire Drug Action Team said: "The main problem here is that the purity of the substance cannot be guaranteed. Small doses of the drug have similar effects to alcohol in that it removes inhibitions.

"However, in larger or stronger doses, the drug has several serious side effects including vomiting, convulsions and can cause a lack of oxygen in the body."

Reports from America suggest the drug also creates a sense of exhilaration, sexual excitement and cuts off the oxygen supply to the brain.

But despite the potentially lethal side effects, GHB remains off the restricted drugs list, even though it is illegal to sell and manufacture the drug unless prescribed.

Mr Phillips added: "The drug first came into Britain in 1994 and was used on London's gay scene. Unfortunately, since then, it has taken off on the dance floor and we are aware of its use locally.

"We would strongly advise against its use at all."

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