$12 million of GBL seized from consignment from China declared as liquid fertiliser

One of Australia’s largest party drug seizures has prevented more than $12 million dollars of gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) from hitting the streets.

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One of Australia’s largest party drug seizures has prevented more than $12 million dollars of gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) from hitting the streets.

The popular party drug — also known as liquid ecstasy, fantasy or coma in a bottle — acts a nervous system depressant with sedative and anaesthetic effects.

Usually sold in small bottles or vials containing a colourless/odourless liquid, GBL is known to produce feelings of euphoria, relaxation and sociability, while also lowering inhibitions and increasing sex drive.

The drug has also been seized by police at a number of music festivals including Defqon. 1, which left two dance music fans are dead.

Police claim the seizure prevented at least a million deals being sold at NSW dance festivals and nightclubs. Picture: NSW Police

Last year, detectives from the NSW Police Force’s State Crime Command worked with Australian Border Force (ABF) officers to investigate the manufacture of prohibited drugs across the state.

The investigation had a strong focus on importations from China to a number of companies in Sydney’s south west.

ABF officers targeted a consignment from China declared as liquid fertiliser, although forensic analysis later determined the consignment contained 4000 litres of GBL.

The seized GBL has an estimated potential street value of more than $12 million, with investigations continuing.

ABF officers targeted a consignment from China declared as liquid fertiliser. Picture: NSW Police

During the course of the investigations, detectives also located two large commercial clandestine MDMA laboratories at Menangle and Mount Hunter.

With the assistance of the Drug and Firearms Squad’s Chemical Operations Unit, the laboratories were dismantled.

A total of 650 items used to manufacture drugs, chemicals and precursors, and prohibited drugs with an estimated potential street value of more than $5.2 million were seized.

Two men were arrested and charged during this investigation. They remain before the courts.

More than $12 million of GBL seized as police continue to target drug manufacturers . Picture: ABF

NSW Police Force’s State Crime Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner Stuart Smith, said the significance of the seizure is not just about the quantity, it’s also about the impact.

“These investigations form part of our approach to targeting commercial drug manufacturers and suppliers to events where they are killing our kids,” he said.

“With a record seizure of four tonnes of GBL – whether it was to be used as a precursor or sold as is – and the dismantling of two massive MDMA labs, it’s a good start to the disruption of supply.

“But, we still have more work to do; our focus remains on following every thread of information, with the assistance our partners both here and abroad, intercept the importations, dismantle the labs, and put the entire supply chain before the court.”

ABF Regional Commander NSW Danielle Yannopoulos said the result showed the strength and effectiveness of Australia’s border and law enforcement agencies.

“This is one of the largest ever detections of GBL at the Australian border. It is not often we get a detection this big, but we are finding and seizing GBL on a regular basis, which is concerning,” she said.

“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.”