Image: Photos: Alcohol & Drug Foundation & AFP
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) are cautioning the public about an ongoing surge in imports of 1,4-Butanediol (1,4-BD), a drug commonly known as ‘fantasy’ or ‘bute’. Bute is a chemical solvent that converts to GHB when ingested — it’s often used by perpetrators of sexual assault, and can result in death if consumed.
With more of the drug recently detected landing on Australian shores, the national police force stated that it “continues to be concerned” with reports that bute is “being used to facilitate sexual assault through the spiking of food and drink” and that it appears to be “one of the central drivers” of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) overdoses in Australia.
Bute and GHB are policed by the AFP at ports of entry as potentially illicit and dangerous substances.
1,4-BD has been listed as a border-controlled drug where illegally imported since 1 March 2024, following changes to legislation. In the 12 months following, more of the substance was seized by the AFP than any other drug – 18.3 tonnes of it.
The vast majority of that amount, 90 percent, was detected in New South Wales. More than 3.8 tonnes of the drug has been seized nationwide since the beginning of 2025.
The effects of bute
Following consumption, 1,4-BD depresses the central nervous system of its consumer – or victim – resulting in communication between the brain and body being slowed. Drowsiness, confusion, blackouts, memory loss, seizures and unconsciousness are all symptoms.
A difference of milligrams can result in death.
The drug has common use in Australia as a party drug, and by perpetrators of sexual assault to incapacitate victims. The AFP says it “serves as both a serious health risk and a tool for criminal activity.”
‘An instrument of crime’
Acting Assistant Commissioner Paula Hudson warned of the nightmarish effects of the drug, despite ‘fantasy’ being one of its street names.
“Although 1,4-Butanediol has a legitimate industrial use, factors such as the significant volumes and concealment methods used in its illegal importation suggest it is targeted for a more nefarious use,” Hudson said.
“1,4-BD is dangerous on many levels. Unlike other illicit drugs, it can be used as an instrument of crime, rather than being generally taken only for personal use.”
Police are cracking down on bute imports
The Acting Assistant Commissioner said that the large scale of illegal imports “has prompted the AFP and Australian Border Force to reinforce a zero-tolerance rule towards criminal networks attempting to import this illicit substance into the country.”
“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.”
She noted that organised criminal groups “use a number of methods to illegally import this substance into Australia, such as concealing it in bottles labelled as cosmetics, including shampoo and body wash.”
These groups aim to induce demand for the drug so as to increase their profits.
The AFP estimates that billions of dollars in costs from community harm, health services and hospitalisations have been saved by seizures of the drug, but warns that it expects imports to increase.
Support is available:
- Free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drug treatment services are provided by the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.
- Free 24/7 drug and alcohol counselling is available online.
- Information about drug and alcohol addiction treatment or support is available on the Turning Point website.
You May Also Like
Leave a Reply