The main driver of GHB overdoses in Australia is reaching our shores in unprecedented volumes.
Australian Federal Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Paula Hudson said the chemical solvent 1,4-Butanediol (1,4-BD), found in industrial cleaning products and biodegradable plastics, also known as “fantasy” or “bute”, was hitting Australian shores in a tidal wave of illegal importation.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Hudson said since March, last year 1,4-BD had been listed as a border-controlled drug when illegally imported.
She said, when ingested, 1,4-BD converted to Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), which was also a border-controlled drug.
“Bute is one of the central drivers of fatal and non-fatal GHB overdoses in Australia and is being used to facilitate sexual assault through the spiking of food and drink.”
Acting Assistant Commissioner Hudson said more than 3.8 tonnes of 1,4-BD has already been seized in 2025.
She said in the 12 months following its classification as a border-controlled drug, the AFP seized more 1,4-BD than any other drug.
“The AFP seized more than 18.3 tonnes of 1,4-BD between March 1, 2024 and April 30, 2025, more than 90 percent of that in NSW.”
Acting Assistant Commissioner Hudson said consumption of 1,4-BD depressed the central nervous system, slowing down messages between the brain and body.
“Those who ingest it can experience drowsiness, confusion, blackouts and memory loss, seizures, unconsciousness or even death.
“A matter of milligrams can be the difference between life and death.”
She said due to its effects, the drug was commonly used in Australia as a “party drug” or to facilitate offences including theft, sexual assault and rape, meaning it served as both a serious health risk and a tool for criminal activity.
“Its generic street name of ‘fantasy’ was misleading and hid the nightmare this substance could cause to individuals, families and communities.
“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.
“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.”
