REVELLERS who were rushed to hospital after taking drugs at a Halloween party had not taken liquid ecstasy, as gardaí originally believed, but a chemical used as a paint stripper which has achieved notoriety as a 'date rape' drug.

Ten people were taken to Connolly hospital in Blanchardstown, Dublin, when they began to collapse at a house party on Halloween night in Ongar, Dublin 15. Three of them were admitted to the intensive care unit in a serious condition but all have since recovered and have been discharged from hospital.

After the incident, the garda press office issued three statements stating that liquid ecstasy (GHB) had been consumed and urging anyone who had been at the party and taken the drug to go to hospital. Several people presented themselves at the hospital to be checked out. Gardaí say it is lucky that some of those affected did not stay in a coma.

However, analysis of drugs found at the scene revealed that the substance was in fact gamma butyrolactone (GBL), a substance similar to liquid ecstasy that is available to buy online and is not controlled by international law.  As well as earning a reputation as a date rape drug, it has also been nicknamed 'coma in a bottle'.

The chemical is safe to use for the purpose for which it was intended, as a paint stripper, rust remover and industrial cleaner. But during the 1990s in Britain, GBL became popular at nightclubs and raves. It is said to intensify the euphoria of those taking amphetamines. But it soon also became known as a date rape drug because it can render a victim unconscious and cause memory loss. It can cause unconsciousness, coma and death.

Both liquid ecstasy and GBL are relatively unheard-of in Ireland. Detectives investigating what happened believe it was most likely ordered online.