Merck Scientist Arrested For Possession Of Chemicals Used To Make 'GHB'

A 44-year-old senior scientist at Merck was arrested and charged with multiple offenses after authorities suspect he was making and distributing GHB, an illegal recreational drug.

Officials say Kurt Romondt was arrested at his Springfield home on Thursday after a search revealed a package containing 2,745 grams of gamma-butyrolactone (used to synthesize GHB), approximately 300 milliliters of GHB, a scale, and materials used to process and produce the drug.

“GHB is a naturally occurring substance that can also be produced chemically and has multiple methods of usage as an illegal recreational drug, depending on the dosage – small amounts, for instance, can act as a stimulant and produce euphoric effects, while larger amounts are used by athletes to stimulate the production of human growth hormone in the body,” according to a press release from the Union County Prosecutor’s Office.

GHB also has been labeled a date-rape drug due to its rapid-onset sedative effects when administered in larger quantities, authorities said.

Romondt is charged with first-degree maintaining a controlled dangerous substance production facility, second-degree possession of GHB with the intent to distribute, and a related third-degree drug charge. His bail is set at $200,000.