"The ‘Grim Reaper of GHB’ Has Arrived: Gachon University’s Professor Kim Sang-hyo Develops Rapid Drug Detection Kit"

The ‘Grim Reaper of GHB’ Has Arrived: Gachon University’s Professor Kim Sang-hyo Develops Rapid Drug Detection Kit"

Published on August 9, 2024, 15:02:58, Updated on August 9, 2024, 15:05:49, Seongnam = Reporter Son Dae-seon

Rapid detection of GHB, ketamine, and other drugs commonly abused in sexual crimes

Easy and quick use, gaining attention internationally

Gachon University announced on the 9th that Professor Kim Sang-hyo from the Department of Bio-Nano Science (also the CEO of Philmedi Co., Ltd.) has recently developed the ‘GK-CHECK,’ a rapid drug detection kit that can simultaneously detect GHB (commonly known as "water drop") and ketamine.

GHB and ketamine, both used as anesthetics and sedatives, are colorless, odorless, and tasteless substances frequently exploited in drug-related sexual crimes. When added to drinks, they can cause the consumer to lose consciousness for 4-5 hours. After this period, the drugs are no longer detectable in the body, making it difficult to prove the crime. These substances are easily purchased via the dark web or Telegram, leading to the proliferation of such crimes.

Noticing this issue, Professor Kim has focused on developing technologies to quickly and easily detect harmful substances, including GHB, as part of his research into drug detection technologies.

The newly developed GK-CHECK can detect GHB at concentrations as low as 2g and ketamine at 0.8g in 200ml of a drink. The kit is about two-thirds the size of a business card and is sealed in an aluminum pouch, making it easy to carry and use when needed. Using patented technology for simultaneous multi-drug detection, the GK-CHECK can confirm the presence of both GHB and ketamine within 3 minutes.

The kit incorporates specialized technology to stabilize and secure various reagents on strips or spots for field use. It is recognized for having the highest sensitivity and fastest detection time compared to similar products abroad.

Its quality has been acknowledged internationally, and the product is now being exported to Italy. The Italian importer plans to expand the market throughout Europe due to its high popularity in Italy. Demand has also surged in California, USA, where it has become mandatory to place drug detection kits in entertainment venues since July. As a result, export contracts with U.S. distributors are currently underway.

Professor Kim emphasized, “With large-scale drug use and distribution crimes being uncovered even on university campuses, Korea is no longer a drug-free country. It’s crucial to normalize the preemptive use of drug detection kits whenever drug-related crimes are suspected. We will continue to enhance on-site drug detection kits based on our expertise in field diagnostics, leading efforts to prevent drug crimes.”

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