Detectives from the Clandestine Laboratory Squad have charged a man and seized over one tonne of 1,4-Butanediol, steroids and prescription medication, steroid manufacturing equipment and a dismantled clandestine laboratory as part of an investigation into the manufacture and trafficking of methylamphetamine.
Four search warrants were executed on Wednesday (20 November) at a factory in Moorabbin, two storage sheds in Springvale and a factory in Clayton.
370kg of 1,4-Butanediol and large quantities of steroids and prescription medication were seized from the storage facility.
Approximately 730kg of 1-4-Butanediol, 20 litres of tartaric acid (used in the purification of methylamphetamines) and a large sophisticated packed up clandestine laboratory were seized from the Clayton address.
A 36-year-old Mordialloc man was intercepted by police around 3.30pm yesterday (Thursday, 21 November).
A search of his car located 10kg of as yet unidentified powder and stolen registration plates.
A further two search warrants were executed at a residential address in Mordialloc and a business premises in Highett.
Additional steroids and clandestine laboratory equipment were seized from the Mordialloc property.
The man was subsequently charged with traffick large commercial quantity 1,4-Butanediol, possess substance, material document/equipment for trafficking, possess a prescribed pre-cursor (sodium borohydride, methylamphetmine hydrochloride and iodine).
He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 13 January.
The total quantity of 1-4-Butanediol seized is equivalent to 100,000 potentially lethal doses of the drug.
When ingested, 1,4-Butanediol is metabolised similarly to GHB, but it is an industrial solvent and used in the manufacture of various plastics and polymers.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information on illicit drug activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to Detective Acting Inspector Mark Newlan, Clandestine Laboratory Squad:
"While there are legitimate uses for 1,4-Butanediol as an industrial solvent - or cleaning product - it is an incredibly dangerous product to consume which can have fatal consequences.
"Criminal syndicates care only for the profits this dangerous substance can make them - substituting it for GHB given the cheaper price. Overwhelmingly what users believe is GHB is 1,4-Butanediol.
"The drug can be unpredictable and the difference between survival and a fatal overdose can be very small. There is absolutely no safe amount to ingest - that's why we're committed to removing it from unintended hands."
