Police from the Prahran Divisional Response Unit have concluded an investigation this week, targeting the alleged importation of 1,4 Butanediol into Victoria from China.
Working collaboratively with the Australian Border Force on the investigation which ran from Tuesday 3 August to Wednesday 13 October, police executed three search warrants across two days at addresses in Laverton North, Deer Park and Oakleigh arresting one man in relation to alleged drug offences.
Officers seized approximately 20L of what is alleged to be 1,4 Butanediol with a street value of $100,000, a chemical allegedly used in the drug gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB).
Other items seized during the search warrants include:
A small amount of cannabis
A small amount of methylamphetamine
An imitation firearm
A machete
A 26-year-old man from Deer Park was arrested and charged with 11 offences including trafficking and possession of a commercial quantity of 1,4 Butanediol, possession of methylamphetamine, possession of an imitation firearm, possession of a controlled weapon and committing an indictable offence while on bail. The man was remanded to appear before the Melbourne Magistrates Court on 11 January 2022.
Quotes attributed to Detective Senior Sergeant Tim Moreland:
“Results such as these are a testament to the collaboration of law enforcement agencies which continue to result in significant seizures of dangerous drugs and arrest those looking to profit by illicit means.”
“1,4 Butanediol is extremely dangerous when ingested, leading to serious injury and in some cases death. Police will continue to work closely with our law enforcement parties around the clock to identify the importation and subsequent distribution of illicit substances.”
