Mark Dygdon and Rodrigo Castro face federal charges, with prosecutors accusing them of conspiring to import and distribute large quantities of gamma-butyrolactone (GBL), a chemical that authorities have called a dangerous “chemical.”date rape drugs,” exist new york city.
two people manhattan The man has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Below is information about the case.
1. They were accused of importing 7 tons of GBL
According to the New York Post, federal prosecutors charged Dagden, 48, and Castro, 34, with conspiring to import approximately 7 tons of gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) into New York City between August 2023 and June 2026.
Authorities claim the quantity seized is equivalent to approximately one million doses.
GBL is often sold under street names such as Blue Nitro and Revivarant.
2. Both men have been charged in federal court
On June 17, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York charged the two men with conspiring to distribute a controlled substance.
Prosecutors said the two men face up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
The charges are all charges and neither defendant has been convicted.
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3. Prosecutor calls GBL “liquid poison”
Federal authorities charged the defendants with intent to distribute GBL, a chemical that converts into gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), a central nervous system depressant often associated with drug-induced sexual assault.
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said a single dose of the substance could be fatal, calling GBL “liquid poison,” the New York Post reported.
The substance is known for producing euphoric and sedative effects, but can also cause serious medical complications, especially when abused.
4. Both defendants pleaded not guilty.
Rodrigo Castro denies the charges against him.
His attorney, Daniel McGuinness, told the New York Post, “It’s still early days, but he’s very eager to clear his name and prove his innocence.”
McGuinness added that prosecutors say they have business records and information linking Castro to the alleged conspiracy. “We want to look at that information and see what went wrong because they believe my client was involved in this activity,” he said.
An attorney representing Dagden could not immediately be reached for comment. Court records show Dagden also entered a not guilty plea.
5. The case is still in its early stages
The investigation is ongoing and prosecutors have not publicly disclosed all the evidence supporting the charges.
The charges have not yet been proven in court, and both Dagden and Castro are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The case will work its way through the federal court system and prosecutors will be asked to provide evidence to support conspiracy charges.
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