This is a joint media release between Australian Federal Police, Australian Border Force and Queensland Police Force
A 26-year-old alleged Outlaw Motorcycle Gang member is expected to face Brisbane Magistrate’s Court today (Saturday, 13 June) charged with importing 25 litres of Gamma-butyrolactone (GBL).
The Brisbane man was charged yesterday (Friday, 12 June) by investigators from the Queensland National Anti-Gangs Squad (QLD NAGS), after the drugs were found in an air freight consignment intercepted in NSW.
On 31 May (2020), Australian Border Force (ABF) officers in Sydney intercepted a consignment from China that was addressed to a residential property in Zillmere, Queensland, sparking a joint agency investigation.
Police will allege the intended recipient of the GBL – which has an approximate street value of $100,000 – was the 26-year-old, a patched OMCG member.
QLD NAGS investigators executed search warrants on the man’s vehicle and home in the Brisbane suburb of Hamilton yesterday, where they seized a mobile phone and other items.
The man was remanded in custody to appear in court today charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, contrary to section 307.1(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).
Importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
AFP Detective Superintendent Crime Northern Command Todd Hunter said while some people believe GBL – commonly referred to as liquid ecstasy, fantasy, or ‘coma in a bottle’ – was a harmless “party drug”, the realities are much more dangerous.
“What people are actually ingesting is an industrial chemical solvent found in paint strippers and stain removers and it can be fatal, even in tiny doses,” Detective Superintendent Hunter said.
“It metabolises into the drug gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) in the body and can cause abrupt loss of consciousness, memory loss, respiratory difficulties, coma, and even death.
“We are aware that GBL, used as a stupefying drug, has been linked to rape offending.
“The amount seized could have represented as many as 50,000 street deals and it is vital that we continue to work with our partners at the border, locally and internationally, to stop any substance that can have such dire health outcomes and contribute to these sorts of crimes from reaching our community.”
ABF Regional Commander NSW Danielle Yannopoulos said the result showed the strength and effectiveness of Australia’s border and law enforcement agencies.
“Our highly skilled officers at the border have seen it all and are always on the lookout for creative and ingenious concealments.”
“We are finding and seizing GBL on a regular basis, which is concerning. These substances can ruin people’s lives in a single incident. Our message is clear – if you try and import them, we will find them, seize them, and you could face severe penalties,” Commander Yannopoulos said.
For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drug treatment services, call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.
