Investigations by NSW Police Force detectives and Australian Border Force (ABF) officers has led to one of Australia's largest seizures of gamma-butyrolactone (GBL), preventing at least a million deals being sold at NSW dance festivals and nightclubs.
In 2018, detectives from the NSW Police Force's State Crime Command commenced investigations into the manufacture of prohibited drugs across NSW.
During the course of a Criminal Groups Squad investigation, detectives located two large commercial clandestine 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) laboratories at Menangle and Mount Hunter.
The laboratories were dismantled with the assistance of the Drug and Firearms Squad's Chemical Operations Unit, who seized 650 items, which included equipment used to manufacture drugs, chemicals and precursors, and prohibited drugs with an estimated potential street value of more than $5.2 million.
Two men were arrested and charged during this investigation. They remain before the courts.
Detectives from the Drug and Firearms Squad subsequently established Strike Force Arndill to conduct inquiries into the importation of chemicals, precursors, and equipment used to manufacture illicit drugs.
With the assistance of investigators from ABF, detectives analysed patterns of importations from China to a number of companies in Sydney's south west.
On Tuesday 18 December 2018, ABF officers targeted a consignment of 20 drums from China, which were declared as liquid fertiliser.
The consignment was examined at the NSW Container Examination Facility and presumptive testing returned a positive indicator for GBL, which is also known as liquid ecstasy, fantasy, or coma in a bottle.
Forensic analysis determined the drums contained 4000 litres of GBL, which has an estimated potential street value of more than $12 million.
The GBL has been seized by police and investigations under Strike Force Arndill are ongoing.
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," Acting Assistant Commissioner Smith 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 courts," Acting Assistant Commissioner Smith said.
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," Commander Yannopoulos 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."
GBL metabolises into the drug gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) in the body and is popular amongst ravers as it's said to enhance the effects of other drugs and alcohol, but the mix can quickly be lethal.
It can cause loss of consciousness, memory loss, respiratory difficulties, coma, and death.
Anyone with information in relation to the importation, manufacture, or supply of prohibited drugs is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.
