During a Department of Justice press conference Tuesday, local and federal agencies revealed that Stephen Howard, 64, of Auburn, was arrested on drug trafficking charges for selling large quantities of a “date rape” drug. According to court documents, Howard sold an undercover agent 20 ounces of a liquid substance used to incapacitate women. Shortly thereafter, another purchase was made from Howard for nearly a gallon of the same substance, a DOJ press release stated. During this purchase, Howard showed the undercover agent that he had a handgun, authorities say. Following the purchases, DOJ says lab tests confirmed that the liquid was in fact a controlled substance called 1,4-butanediol. When ingested, 1,4-butanediol is converted into Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid (GHB), commonly known as a “date rape drug.” 
 
 On May, 22, 2015, law enforcement executed search warrants at Howard's office on Auburn's campus, and at his home. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Agency assisted in the estimated six-month investigation, Register said, following a Tuesday afternoon press conference at the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Alabama. DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Clay Morris said the date rape drug has seen a resurgence in the Auburn area as spice and heroin has in other parts of the state. Howard is charged with 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. "The university is evaluating Mr. Howard's employment status in light of the information announced today, the university stated.
– He wouldn't fit the typical profile of a campus drug dealer, but authorities say a 64-year-old chemistry lab technician at Auburn University was just that. And they say Stephen Howard wasn't just peddling weed, but a date rape drug, reports WTVM. Howard is accused of using his lab credentials to order a chemical that is converted to GHB when ingested, and he allegedly sold 20 ounces of it to an undercover federal agent and later a gallon. In all, authorities seized two to three gallons. It's not clear whether Howard had sold any to other customers, or whether any students were victims, but an affidavit quotes him as boasting to an undercover agent that he "probably had five different girls pass out on him," reports Al.com. During the second transaction, Howard allegedly flashed a handgun. For that, he faces weapons charges along with his drug-trafficking charges. He's still got his job in the College of Engineering for now, but Auburn says it is "evaluating Mr. Howard's employment status."