Alleged coordinator of 2021 drug importation charged
Editor’s note: Images available via Hightail
An alleged criminal syndicate member has been charged in connection to an alleged importation of more than three kilograms of gamma-butyrolactone (GBL).
The Singleton man, 39, was arrested in Mandurah by AFP officers on 30 May, 2023, after allegedly organising the importation of 3.4 kg of GBL in July 2021. He is the third person to be arrested in connection to the investigation and police will allege he facilitated the purchase and delivery of the drugs.
The investigation began when ABF officers at a Perth air cargo facility examined a consignment from China after noticing anomalies.
Further inspection revealed 250 small bottles within the consignment labelled as ‘eyelash remover’ that contained liquid which tested positive for GBL.
AFP investigators replaced the illicit drugs with inert substance, before delivering it to an address in Kensington.
AFP officers then arrested a Kensington woman, 28, who allegedly collected the consignment and delivered it to a St James man, 43.
The man and woman were arrested and charged with importing a border controlled substance. Both are currently before the courts.
AFP Inspector Chris Colley said GBL could result in loss of consciousness and inhibit memory functions with just a few milliliters.
“The AFP is committed to stopping these harmful drugs from infecting our communities, and will not stop hunting down those who are involved in this harmful trade even if years have passed,” Inspector Chris Colley said.
ABF Superintendent James Payne said the Australian border is a strategic national asset, and ABF officers at the frontline are dedicated to protecting our community from dangerous illegal drugs.
“We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to ensure the border is a hostile environment for criminals trying to import harmful drugs,” Superintendent Payne said.
The 3.4kgs of GBL seized had an estimate street value of $69,000 and could have resulted in more than 1,000 individual street deals.
The man was charged with one count of importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, being gamma-butyrolactone, contrary to section 307.1(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).
The man faced Perth Magistrates court on Friday 11 August, 2023, where the matter was adjourned to 22 September, 2023.
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