Manhattan men charged in federal indictment alleging conspiracy to distribute millions of doses of deadly gamma-butyrolactone across New York City and surrounding regions

New York City, New York – Federal prosecutors in Manhattan have unsealed an indictment charging two New York City residents in connection with what authorities describe as a large-scale drug trafficking operation involving gamma-butyrolactone, a chemical linked to serious public health risks and often associated with drug-facilitated crimes.

The announcement was made by United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York Jay Clayton, together with Special Agent in Charge of the New York Enforcement Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Farhana Islam. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Margaret M. Garnett.

According to prosecutors, MARK DYGDON and RODRIGO CASTRO are accused of conspiring to import and distribute massive quantities of gamma-butyrolactone, commonly referred to as GBL, throughout Midtown Manhattan and broader areas of New York City.

Officials say the alleged operation was not limited to small-scale distribution. Instead, it involved what they describe as the importation of more than seven U.S. tons of the substance between August 2023 and June 2026. Authorities estimate that this amount translates into millions of individual doses circulating through the region.

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In a statement outlining the seriousness of the allegations, U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton emphasized the potential dangers tied to even small amounts of the chemical and the scale of the alleged trafficking network.

“As alleged, Mark Dygdon and Rodrigo Castro conspired to import and distribute millions of doses of gamma-butyrolactone in Midtown Manhattan and around the New York region,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Even one dose of GBL, also commonly known as a so-called date rape drug, can be lethal; Dygdon and Castro are accused of flooding Midtown with tons of this liquid poison. As the charges in this case show, together with our law enforcement partners, we will relentlessly pursue those who commit drug crimes and will prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.”

Federal authorities described gamma-butyrolactone as a dangerous chemical on its own, while also noting that it can be converted into gamma-hydroxybutyrate, or GHB, a substance frequently linked to incapacitation and drug-facilitated sexual assaults. Officials stressed that the alleged distribution posed a significant risk to public safety.

DEA officials said the seizure and disruption of such a large quantity of the substance prevented what could have been widespread harm. The agency highlighted the broader implications of removing these types of chemicals from circulation before they can be misused.

“The seizure of multiple tons of gamma-butyrolactone, is not merely a chemical seizure, it is the prevention of countless tragedies that may have otherwise occurred,” said DEA New York Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam. “GBL is a dangerous substance on its own, and can also be converted into GHB. Both are powerful depressants that are often used in drug facilitated sexual assaults. By removing this massive quantity from the supply chain, the DEA and our partners disrupted a significant threat to public safety, and prevented harm to countless people who might otherwise have been victimized. This indictment reflects the commitment we have with our partners in targeting those trafficking drugs and precursor chemicals into our communities.”

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The indictment alleges that DYGDON, 48, and CASTRO, 34, both of New York City, worked together over a period of nearly three years to carry out the distribution network. Prosecutors say the conspiracy operated from at least August 2023 through June 2026, during which time large quantities of GBL were allegedly imported and distributed throughout the region.

Officials have charged both defendants with one count of conspiracy to distribute gamma-butyrolactone. If convicted, each faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Prosecutors noted that statutory maximum penalties are set by Congress and are provided for informational purposes, with any final sentencing decisions resting with the court.

Authorities also praised the investigative work conducted by the DEA, crediting the agency for uncovering and dismantling the alleged trafficking operation. The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Narcotics Unit, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca R. Delfiner leading the proceedings.

Officials reiterated that the charges are allegations at this stage and that both defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

As the case moves forward in federal court, prosecutors say it underscores an ongoing effort to target large-scale drug distribution networks operating in New York City, particularly those involving chemical substances that can be repurposed for harmful use. The investigation remains part of a broader federal initiative aimed at disrupting trafficking pipelines before they reach vulnerable communities.