source : the age
A “tidal wave” of a recently criminalised substance used to drug and sexually assault unsuspecting victims has reached Australia’s shores as authorities scramble to detect the imports heading to Sydney.
More than 3.8 tonnes of 1,4-Butanediol, also known as “fantasy” or “bute”, have been seized so far this year, with the majority stopped in NSW.
The AFP and ABF are warning of the serious consequences of illegally importing 1,4 Butanediol – commonly known as bute.Credit: Australian Federal Police
The drug has legitimate industrial uses, including in 3D printing and industrial applications; however, the Australian Federal Police warn criminal gangs are selling it for “nefarious” use, with bute commonly used in Australia as a “party drug” or to facilitate offences including theft, sexual assault and rape.
It naturally converts into the illegal gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), or liquid ecstasy, once ingested, and reduces feelings of pain by interrupting the way nerves signal pain between the brain and the body.
It can also cause breathing difficulty, drowsiness, confusion, blackouts, memory loss, seizures and unconsciousness. A few milligrams can be a fatal dose.
The AFP reported that it is one of the central drivers in GHB overdoses and is being used to facilitate sexual abuse by spiking food and drink.
A study by the Drug and Alcohol Review found GHB deaths accelerated between 2016 and 2021, increasing by 44 per cent year-on-year. There have been 217 deaths between 2001 and 2023.
It was listed as a border-controlled drug, putting it on par with methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine, in March last year; however, illegal imports have continued to rise.
In the 12 months since its criminalisation, the AFP and Australian Border Force have seized more bute than any other drug, with seizures overtaking methamphetamine.
Since March 2024, the AFP has seized more than 18.3 tonnes of the drug, 90 per cent of which was in NSW.
More than 4200 litres of “bute” have been seized in Sydney since a recent change in legislation.Credit: Australian Federal Police
Bute can be legally imported into Australia for legitimate industrial use by importers registered with the Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme and is used in the production of plastics and polymers. Those convicted of illegally importing the drug can face penalties of up to a maximum of life imprisonment.
Two people have been charged with illegal importation.
In November last year, a Sydney man was charged with importing seven litres of the drug from Hong Kong in bottles labelled as rose oil and shark essence oil, while in August, a Queensland man was charged with importing 60 litres of bute stored in 120 shower gel bottles.
In what authorities have labelled a “tidal wave”, AFP Commander Paula Hudson said there was “no safe dose” of the “nightmare” drug.
“[Bute] is dangerous on many levels,” she said. “Unlike other illicit drugs, it can be used as an instrument of crime rather than being generally taken only for personal use.
“By importing this substance into Australia, criminal networks are creating a demand and appetite for this illicit drug and the bigger the appetite, the bigger the profits.
“It’s a fight on multiple fronts for police, emergency and health services, all working together to combat the importation, distribution and consumption of this harmful illicit substance.”
