It's a substance found in industrial cleaning products, biodegradable plastics and even spandex.
However, the chemical solvent 1,4-Butanediol (1,4-BD) has an insidious secondary use that shatters lives, facilitates crime and devastates communities.
It's hitting Australian shores in a tidal wave of illegal importation, with more than 3.8 tonnes of 1,4-BD already seized in 2025*.
Since 1 March, 2024, changes to Commonwealth legislation resulted in 1,4-BD being listed as a border-controlled drug where illegally imported.
In the following 12 months (until 1 March, 2025), the AFP seized more 1,4-BD than any other drug.
The AFP seized more than 18.3 tonnes of 1,4-BD between 1 March, 2024 and 30 April, 2025, more than 90 per cent of that in NSW.
1,4-Butanediol (1,4-BD), also known as 'fantasy' or 'bute', is a chemical solvent that, when ingested, converts to Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), which is also a border-controlled drug.
Consumption of 1,4-BD depresses the central nervous system, slowing down messages between the brain and body. Those who ingest it can experience drowsiness, confusion, blackouts and memory loss, seizures, unconsciousness or even death.
A matter of milligrams can be the difference between life and death.
Due to its effects, the drug is commonly used in Australia as a 'party drug' or to facilitate offences including theft, sexual assault and rape, meaning it serves as both a serious health risk and a tool for criminal activity.
The AFP continues to be concerned with reports bute is one of the central drivers of fatal and non-fatal GHB overdoses in Australia and is being used to facilitate sexual assault through the spiking of food and drink.
AFP Acting Assistant Commissioner Paula Hudson said its generic street name of 'fantasy' was misleading and hid the nightmare this substance could cause to individuals, families and communities.
"Although 1,4-Butanediol 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," a/Assistant Commissioner Hudson said.
"1,4-BD is dangerous on many levels. Unlike other illicit drugs, it can be used as an instrument of crime, rather than being generally taken only for personal use.
"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."
Authorities anticipate a rise in 1,4-BD imported into Australia, noting the total seizure of 3.8 tonnes of 1,4-BD so far in 2025, and 10.02 tonnes from July-December, 2024.
The AFP estimates billions in costs relating to community harm, health services and hospitalisations were saved as a result of the total seizures.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Hudson said organised crime networks would try to import and flood our communities with any illicit substance from which they could make a lucrative profit.
"Our message to the community remains clear - there is no safe dose of this 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," a/Assistant Commissioner Hudson 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."
The changes to Commonwealth legislation which resulted in 1,4-BD being listed as a border-controlled drug where illegally imported puts it on par with methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, MDMA and other more well-known border-controlled drugs.
The change means those convicted of illegally importing 1,4-BD can now face penalties up to a maximum of life imprisonment, and the drug can be seized and importations investigated by Federal agencies under Commonwealth criminal legislation.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Hudson said criminal networks undermined Australia's national security and economy, and the AFP would continue to cause maximum damage to their illegal 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," a/Assistant Commissioner Hudson 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."
*More than 3.8 tonnes seized between 1 January and 30 April, 2025.
Case studies
A Sydney man was charged in November, 2024, for allegedly importing seven litres of 1,4-Butanediol, concealed within bottles labelled as 'shark essence oil', in two separate shipments from Hong Kong into NSW.
In another matter, a Queensland man was charged in August, 2024, for allegedly importing 60 litres of 1,4 Butanediol concealed in shower gel bottles sent from China to Sydney via air mail.
