The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) arrested Erik Gabriel Sterling, 39, and Martin James Sterling, 35, both of Pensacola, on one count each of trafficking in 1,4-Butanediol (over 10 kilograms), an illicit GHB analog drug.
- 1,4-Butanediol is used industrially as a solvent and in the manufacture of some types of plastics, elastic fibers and polyurethanes. GHB is a schedule I depressant. GHB abuse became popular among teens and young adults at dance clubs and “raves” in the 1990s, and gained notoriety as a date rape drug.
Dig Deeper:
The arrests were a result of a multi-agency investigation conducted by FDLE, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations, the Naval Criminal Investigative Services, and the Florida Highway Patrol.
FDLE was alerted to a suspicious package addressed to the two men. The parcel contained 20 bottles of 1,4-Butanediol, weighing 24.75 pounds (11.22 kilograms).
After the package was delivered to the suspects’ residence, FDLE, with a warrant, conducted a search of the residence. Agents located the delivered package and an additional 20 empty bottles of the drug.
The two suspects were arrested on August 10 and booked into the Escambia County Jail. The case will be prosecuted by the Office of the State Attorney, First Judicial Circuit. The investigation remains active.
Where are they now:
Erik Sterling was released on a $30,000 bond; Martin Sterling’s bond was $2,500. Neither suspect has his photo on the Escambia County Jailview site. The reason cited is F.S. 119.071. Stay tuned.