A Drug and Firearms Squad investigation has resulted in the seizure of 135kg of gamma butyrolactone (GBL) and other prohibited drugs with a street value of more than $700,000 in Sydney's CBD.
In July 2021, officers from the State Crime Command's Drug and Firearms Squad, assisted by the Australian Border Force (ABF), Department of Home Affairs and the Australian Federal Police (AFP), commenced an investigation under Strike Force Doradillo after the ABF intercepted a suspicious imported consignment in Sydney.
When the consignment was examined, it was allegedly found to contain 135kg of gamma butyrolactone (GBL).
Further consignments intercepted by ABF in December 2021 and February 2022 were found to contain 25kg of 1,4-Butanediol, 2kg of Tetracaine and 9kg of Lidocaine.
As part of ongoing investigations, a 33-year-old man was arrested at Haymarket about 2pm on Tuesday 15 March 2022 and charged over his alleged role in the importations. He remains before the courts.
Following further inquiries, a 31-year-old man was arrested in a car park on Cleveland Street, Moore Park, about 1pm on Wednesday (14 April 2022) and taken to Surry Hills Police Station.
A short time later, police executed a search warrant at a unit on George Street at Haymarket, locating and seizing 23kg of butanediol in 238 individual plastic bottles, electronic devices, and more than $100,000 cash.
All seized items will undergo further forensic examinations.
The Haymarket man was charged with five counts of sponsor imports goods for use in humans without notification, three counts of supply prohibited drug more than large commercial quantity, and knowingly deal with proceeds of crime.
He was refused bail and appeared at Central Local Court on Thursday 14 April 2022, where he was formally refused bail to appear at the same court on Thursday 9 June 2022.
