Drug Fantasy banned in WA

16/10/96

The drug Fantasy is now banned in Western Australia, Health Minister Kevin Prince announced today.

The ban follows from a decision last week by the National Drugs and Poisons Schedule Committee (NDPSC) to place Fantasy, which is also known as gamma hydroxy butyrate (GHB), in Schedule 9 of the Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Drugs and Poisons.

"Under Schedule 9, the manufacture, possession or use of the drug is now prohibited by law with the exception of small amounts for medical or scientific research purposes," Mr Prince said.

"Police can now prosecute people in possession of this drug as it is now covered by the Misuse of Drugs Act."

The Minister commended the committee, which held an urgent meeting, for its swift action following the recent incident at the Gold Coast in which eight young people were hospitalised after taking Fantasy.

The NDPSC, a committee of the Australian Health Ministers' Advisory Council, includes representatives from all States and Territories, consumers and industry and specialist advisers.

"This decision at a national level ensures national unformity for the control of this substance throughout Australia," Mr Prince said.

"It also provided a fast mechanism for introducing the necessary changes in WA."

WA is represented at the NDPSC by Dr Peter Di Marco, who is the principal toxicologist with the Public Health Service.

Media contact: Kirsten Stoney 366 0300