A Queensland man has been charged following an AFP investigation into the alleged importation of 60 litres of 1,4 Butanediol, commonly known as bute, into Australia.
The man, 48, is expected to appear before Southport Magistrates Court today (19 August, 2024), charged with possessing a marketable quantity of a border-controlled drug.
The AFP investigation, codenamed Operation Buteful, started in May 2024, after the Australian Border Force (ABF) detected five air mail consignments sent from China to Sydney that contained 1,4 butanediol concealed inside shower gel bottles. The ABF seized 120 bottles, amounting to a combined 60 litres of 1,4 Butanediol.
The AFP allegedly linked the man to the shipment and executed a search warrant at his Surfers Paradise property on Thursday (15 August, 2024). Investigators allegedly found about 200ml of bute contained in beauty product containers.
The man was arrested and charged with:
- One count of possessing a marketable quantity of a border-controlled drug, contrary to section 307.9 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth); and
- One count of failing to comply with a 3LA order, contrary to section 3LA(6) of the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth).
The maximum penalties for these offences are 25 years' imprisonment and 10 years' imprisonment respectively.
Inquiries are ongoing into six other alleged importations of 1,4 butenediol, weighing a combined 264 litres, and the source of money sent to China to purchase the shipments.
Australian law enforcement has reported escalating harm resulting from bute, which can be used as a substitute for the illegal drug gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB).
Bute is an industrial solvent the body naturally converts into GHB once ingested, depressing and slowing down the functions of a person's nervous system.
From March 2024, bute was defined as a border-controlled drug (Crimes and Other Legislation Amendment (Omnibus No.2) Act 2023). This change means those convicted of illegally importing bute face a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
AFP Detective Superintendent Peter Fogarty said no amount of 1,4 butanediol was safe for human consumption.
"This substance depresses and slows down the functions of a person's nervous system. Overdose can result in hallucinations, breathing difficulties, loss of consciousness and even death," Detective Superintendent Fogarty said.
"The AFP will continue to work with partners like the ABF to save lives and protect the Australian community.
"For those who wish to ignore our warnings and illegally import this dangerous substance into Australia, the AFP will find and prosecute you."
ABF Acting Commander Jim Ley praised the detection work of ABF officers at the border.
"Thanks to the excellent work of our well-trained officers, this sizeable quantity of illicit substance has been kept off Australian streets, where it could have resulted in immense community harm," Acting Commander Ley said.
"We are proud to work alongside the AFP as we protect Australia from the scourge of illegal drugs.
"Our message, which is borne out in today's result, is very simple. Do not attempt to illegally import these substances. We will detect your efforts and you can expect to face the full legal consequences."
