Abc.net.au – The Australian Federal Police (AFP) have confiscated more than 4,000 litres of a date rape drug commonly known as ‘bute’ in Sydney since legislation came in to affect in March controlling its import.
The industrial solvent slows down the functioning of a person’s nervous system when ingested, and is commonly used as a substitute for GHB.
Just seven days after the new laws came in to affect, police found almost 180 litres of the drug concealed in bottles of body oil in a shipment from China.
A further 1,000 litres was found in the Sydney suburbs of Fairfield and Lidcombe, and 960 litres was later found concealed in bottles labelled as essence oil.
AFP Eastern Commander Kate Ferry said the drug is becoming increasingly popular.
“The concerns of law enforcement agencies are rising because of reports bute is being increasingly linked to sexual assaults, as well as overdoses,” Commander Ferry said.
It has been linked to a number of sexual assaults and overdoses across the country.
An importation of 660 litres of the drug was seized in May after the recipient came forward when they became aware of the change in legislation.
Bute can be legally imported into Australia for legitimate industrial use by importers that are registered with the Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme.
The change in legislation, which redefined bute as a border controlled drug, means those convicted of importing will face a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Australian Border Force (AFB) Acting Commander Asha Patwardhan said border force agents are detecting imports of bute “every day.”
“Our Border Force officers are observing individuals and criminal syndicates attempting to import bute in concerning volumes,” Acting Commander Patwardhan said.
“Bute can be described as a dual-use substance, which is defined as a substance with legitimate industry use, but is also commonly used as an illicit substance or precursor.
“This substance is often concealed in varying ways, but ABF officers are seeing bute hidden within body oils, face masks, or food products.
