A Sydney man has been charged with importing 1,4 Butanediol, also known as ‘bute’, following a significant investigation by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Australian Border Force (ABF).
The 34-year-old from Kirrawee, in Sydney’s south, is scheduled to appear before the Downing Centre Local Court on 15 November 2024. He faces charges for importing seven litres of the drug, which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Stuart Millen stressed the importance of continuing to disrupt the illegal importation of such dangerous substances.
“The AFP is committed to protecting the Australian community from the scourge of drugs and will continue to work with partners like the ABF to save lives,” he said.
The AFP’s investigation began in May 2024 after the ABF intercepted consignments of 1,4 Butanediol being sent to the man’s address. The substance, which was previously not classified as a controlled drug, became a border-controlled substance under the Crimes and Other Legislation Amendment (Omnibus No. 2) Act 2023, passed in March 2024.
The man allegedly coordinated two shipments from Hong Kong in May and June 2024. The first shipment, labelled as ‘rose oil’, contained two litres of 1,4 Butanediol. The second, labelled as shark essence oil, allegedly contained five litres of the drug.
A search warrant executed at his Kirrawee home on 13 November 2024 led to the seizure of about 80g of methamphetamine, a bottle suspected to contain 1,4 Butanediol, a spring-loaded knife, and a mobile phone.
ABF Acting Superintendent Rob Rangi added that while 1,4 Butanediol can be legally imported for industrial use with the appropriate permits, its use in illicit activities presents a growing risk to the community.
“This trend of importing 1,4 Butanediol for illegal purposes is a recognised border risk that we will continue to target,” he said.
AFP and ABF officials have warned that 1,4 Butanediol, a substance commonly used in industrial applications, is becoming increasingly used as a substitute for the illegal drug gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB).
Once ingested, the body converts 1,4 Butanediol into GHB, which depresses the nervous system and can cause dangerous side effects, including hallucinations, breathing difficulties, and death.
The man has been charged with importing a commercial quantity of 1,4 Butanediol and possessing the drug, both of which carry a maximum life sentence. He is also facing charges under the Drugs Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985 (NSW) for allegedly supplying methamphetamine. The maximum penalty for this offence is 20 years in prison.
This arrest makes the 34-year-old the second person in New South Wales to be charged with the importation of 1,4 Butanediol since the legislative changes. In August 2024, a 48-year-old man from western Sydney was charged with similar offences.
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