A Springfield man faces charges after allegedly receiving a large quantity of a chemical used to produce the recreational drug GHB at his home.
Acting Union County Prosecutor Grace Park announced 44-year-old Kurt Romondt, a senior scientist at Merck, was arrested Thursday. He's charged with maintaining a controlled dangerous substance production facility, possession of GHB with intent to distribute and another drug charge.
Park said a package containing 2,745 grams of gamma-butyrolactone, used to synthesize GHB, plus approximately 300 milliliters of GHB and other materials were seized from Romondt's home.
GHB can act as a stimulant in small amounts but has been labeled a date-rape drug because it can produce sedative effects.
Romondt was being held on $200,000 bail. It wasn't immediately known if he had retained a lawyer.
