Auburn University lab tech sold date rape drug, police say

A chemistry lab technician at Auburn University was arrested Friday after allegedly selling a large amount of date rape drug, police say.

Police Chief Paul Register told Al.com that Howard, 64, was arrested at his home outside of Auburn. Howard works in the College of Engineering at the university.

Register said in a press conference Tuesday at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Alabama that the FBI and the DEA assisted in the six-month investigation. He also said that no Auburn students have been identified as victims of the drugs Howard is accused of selling.

Howard is charged with the treatment of controlled substance analogues, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug-trafficking crime, according to the criminal complaint.

Authorities say Howard bought the drugs through Auburn University’s license, but paid for it himself.

The university said it is not a part of the investigation.

"The university is evaluating Mr. Howard's employment status in light of the information announced today, the university stated.

Al.com, citing court documents, reports that Howard sold an undercover agent more than 20 ounces of a liquid substance known to incapacitate women. Another undercover agent was able to buy nearly a gallon of the same substance. Howard also showed the agent that he had a weapon, authorities say.

Lab tests would confirm that the liquid was a controlled substance called 1,4-butanediol.

When the substance is ingested, it is converted into Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid or as date rape drug, the U.S. Attorney’s Office says.

An affidavit says Howard told an undercover agent that he “probably had five different girls pass out on him” while they were using the drug.

Howard’s first court date is set for Wednesday.

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