Cyprus Times

Police Confirm Substance Found in Water Cooler Linked to Death and Illnesses

Published January 7, 2026, 19:08
Police Confirm Substance Found in Water Cooler Linked to Death and Illnesses

Police announced that investigations are ongoing into the death of a 78-year-old man and the hospitalization of four others in Larnaca, following the consumption of water from a cooler. Scientific tests revealed the presence of the substance “gamma-Butyrolactone” (GBL) in the water, which acts as a prodrug for GHB. As part of the investigation, the role of the deceased's son, who is on trial for drug offenses, is being examined. The 78-year-old was found unconscious at his home, while the other four individuals, including his wife, exhibited similar symptoms after drinking water from the same cooler.