Cops’ warning as ‘tidal wave’ of drug ‘fantasy’ hits Australian shores

Aussies have been issued a grim warning as a “tidal wave” of a potentially lethal drug is being smuggled into the country.

Australians have been issued a grim warning as a “tidal wave” of a potentially lethal drug hits the country’s shores, smuggled in as innocent household items such as shampoo or body wash.

More than 18 tonnes of 1,4-Butanediol (1,4-BD) - also known as “fantasy” or “bute” - has been seized between March 1, 2024 and April 30 this year, including almost 4 tonnes in 2025 alone, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) reports.

NSW accounted for more than 90 per cent of the busts.

More 1,4-BD was seized than any other drug in the 12 months from it being listed as a border-controlled substance in March last year.

Police say 1,4-BD - a chemical solvent found in industrial cleaning products, biodegradable plastics, and spandex - converts to the drug gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) when ingested.

The drug depresses the central nervous system and can cause drowsiness, confusion, blackouts and memory loss, seizures, and death.

A “matter of milligrams” can be the difference between life and death, the AFP warns.

A “tidal wave” of the drug known as fantasy is hitting Australian borders. Picture: AFP

While it is often used in Australia as a party drug, police say it has also been reported as being used to spike food or drink to facilitate sexual assault and other crimes.

It is also considered one of the main contributors to GHB overdoses in Australia.

Police warn the drug could cause death. Picture: AFP

AFP Acting Assistant Commissioner Paula Hudson said the drug’s street name of “fantasy” was misleading and hid the “nightmare” it could cause.

“Although (it) has a legitimate industrial use, factors such as the significant volumes and concealment methods used in its illegal importation suggest it is targeted for a more nefarious use,” she said.

“Unlike other illicit drugs, it can be used as an instrument of crime, rather than being generally taken only for personal use.

Police warn the substance can be used as a ‘date rape’ drug or to facilitate other crimes. Picture: AFP

“The significant amount of 1,4-BD being illegally imported into Australia has prompted the AFP and Australian Border Force (ABF) to reinforce a zero-tolerance rule towards criminal networks attempting to import this illicit substance into the country.

“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.”

AFP warn that they are taking a zero-tolerance approach to the drug. Picture: AFP

Authorities fear more 1,4-BD is yet to reach Australia via organised crime networks, with Assistant Commissioner Hudson warning there is “no safe dose” of the drug.

“People need to be aware of the dangers of using this drug, and the serious health risks, including loss of consciousness, respiratory arrest and even death,” she said.

“We have seen organised crime use a number of methods to illegally import this substance into Australia, such as concealing it in bottles labelled as cosmetics, including shampoo and body wash.

“By importing this substance into Australia, criminal networks are creating a demand and appetite for this illicit drug and the bigger the appetite, the bigger the profits.”

Changes to Commonwealth legislation have put 1,4-BD on par with other substances such as methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and MDMA.

Those convicted of illegally importing 1,4-BD can now face a maximum penalty of life in jail.

Those convicted of importing the drug can face sentences of life imprisonment. Picture: AFP

Assistant Commissioner Hudson said the AFP aimed to cause maximum damage to criminal networks’ operations.

“We will continue to work with our domestic and international law enforcement partners to stop these imports at the border and target criminal groups who seek to profit from the pain and grief of others,” she said.

“To those looking to import this harmful substance, the AFP and our partners remain committed to protecting the Australian community and using the full force of the law to bring those responsible to justice.”

Originally published as Cops’ warning as ‘tidal wave’ of drug ‘fantasy’ hits Australian shores