CONTENT WARNING: This article discusses sexual assault and rape.
The Australian Federal Police have issued a warning after a “tidal wave” of a date rape drug recently reached Australian shores in enormous quantities.
More than 3.8 tonnes of 1,4-Butanediol — also known as “bute” or “fantasy” — have been seized so far this year, with the majority of it confiscated in New South Wales.
While the drug has some industrial purposes, the AFP have warned that criminal gangs are selling it for “nefarious” use, including as a party drug and to facilitate offences including theft, sexual assault and rape.
Once ingested, “bute” naturally converts into another illegal substance called gamma-hydroxybutyrate, also known as GHB, fuelling concerns that its widespread distribution will increase instances sexual assault when used to spike food and drink.
The influx of “bute” was so large that the AFP revealed it had seized more of it than any other drug in 12 months since it was criminalised in March of 2024.
Within that time, authorities seized 18.3 tonnes of the drug, with 90 per cent of it reaching NSW shores.
The drug is now classified as a border-controlled drug on par with methamphetamine and heroin, with convicted importers facing up to life imprisonment.
Two people have been charged with illegally importing “bute” since it was criminalised, including a Queensland man who imported 60 litres of it last August and a Sydney man who imported seven litres in November.
Speaking of the large quantities of “bute” hitting Aussie shores, AFP Commander Paula Hudson described it as a “tidal wave” and warned of the drug’s facilitation of crime.
“[Bute] is dangerous on many levels,” Hudson said (per Sydney Morning Herald).
“Unlike other illicit drugs, it can be used as an instrument of crime rather than being generally taken only for personal use.”
Hudson said the criminal networks importing “bute” are creating an “appetite” for the drug in Australia, “and the bigger the appetite, the bigger the profits”.
In response, both the AFP and the Australian Border Force have said they’ve adopted a zero-tolerance stance and will intensify efforts to intercept shipments of “bute” and dismantle smuggling networks.
“It’s a fight on multiple fronts for police, emergency and health services, all working together to combat the importation, distribution and consumption of this harmful illicit substance,” Hudson said.
Lead images: Scott Barbour/Getty Images and People Images/Getty Images
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