Nightmare drug 'fantasy' floods Australia as police crack down at the border

Australian Federal Police have seized more than 1,4-Butanediol, also known as 'bute' or 'fantasy', in the 12 months to March 2025 than any other drug.

"It's a substance found in industrial cleaning products, biodegradable plastics and even spandex," police said.

"However, the chemical solvent 1,4-Butanediol has an insidious secondary use that shatters lives, facilitates crime and devastates communities."

Importers allegedly attempted to find creative solutions to import the drug to Australia, disguising it as shower gel or even 'shark essence oil'.

More than 18.3 tonnes of the drug were seized between March 2024 and April 2025, with around 90 per cent found in NSW.

The drug has been used to facilitate sexual assault, rape and theft through food and drink spiking, investigators said.

It depresses the central nervous system, slowing down messages between the brain and body.

Drowsiness, confusion, blackouts and memory loss, seizures and unconsciousness were experienced by those who took the drug. In some cases, it was fatal.

"A matter of milligrams can be the difference between life and death," police said.

Support is available for those who may be distressed:

Phone Lifeline 13 11 14; Men's Referral Service 1300 776 491; 13 Yarn 13 92 76; Kids Helpline 1800 551 800; beyondblue 1300 224 636; 1800-RESPECT 1800 737 732

Help for drug use is available:

The National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline is 1800 250 015; Access free 24/7 drug and alcohol counselling online at counsellingonline.org.au; For information about drug and alcohol addiction treatment or support, go to turningpoint.org.au.