Police have stopped approximately 8kg of gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) reaching Brisbane streets and have charged a 36-year-old man for allegedly importing the dangerous substance.
The man appeared in Brisbane Magistrate’s Court today (Friday, 25 October), after he was arrested at his Rothwell residence yesterday (Thursday, 24 October). Bail was refused and the man was remanded in custody to reappear before court on December 6.
The arrest was the culmination of an 8 month long investigation by Brisbane National Response Operations into drug possession and importation.
The 36-year-old man has been charged with:
- two counts of importing a commercial quantity of border controlled drugs (being GBL), contrary to section 307.1(1) of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth), and
- one count of importing a marketable Quantity of Border Controlled Drugs (being GBL), contrary to section 307.2 of the Criminal Code 1995 Cth).
The offences carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and 25 years imprisonment respectively.
GBL – also known as liquid ecstasy, fantasy or ‘coma in a bottle’ – is a chemical substance that can have severe side-effects once used and can also lead to drug dependency. Symptoms of GBL use include vomiting, convulsions, loss of consciousness, respiratory depression and comas. In serious cases it can result in death.
AFP Detective Superintendent Matthew Gale said any illicit drugs could cause immense harm, not only to users but to their families, friends and the broader community.
“We urge people to stop taking this drug and stop supporting criminals who seek to profit from the misery of others,” Detective Superintendent Gale said.
“Given the dangers posed by GBL, the AFP works with domestic and international partners to detect and disrupt the illicit trade of the substance.
“By seizing drugs and disrupting the syndicates responsible for their importation, we also prevent the profits from being invested back into the criminal activities of those involved.”
For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drug treatment services, call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.
