The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has declared this week a ‘National Week of Action’ as it targets the importation of dangerous substances across Australia’s borders.
The week’s activities have already enjoyed success with Australian and Hong Kong authorities combining to seize 20 litres of gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) and a range of other drugs, after conducting more than 40 search warrants.
The National Week of Action is an initiative of the Vitreus Taskforce which includes representatives from all State and Territory policing jurisdictions across Australia, the AFP, and Australian Border Force.
The action was taken in response to increasing detections of GBL and 1,4-Butanediol at Australian borders, and the impact and harm such drugs have on society.
The week involves all Vitreus Agencies along with international partners including Hong Kong Customs and Excise, targeting importations of the illicit substances predominantly sourced from China as part of Operation Hailfellow.
Manager Organised Crime at the AFP, Acting Commander Peter Bodel said a search warrant conducted in the Sydney suburb of Castle Hill found more than 20 litres of GBL. A 30-year-old Castle Hill man was charged with importation and firearms offences.
Acting Commander Bodel said GBL was a concern for all policing Agencies.
“Any illicit substance can have dire consequences for the Australian community — the users, their family, friends and broader community are all affected,” Acting Commander Bodel said.
“The AFP and its partners are committed to targeting and disrupting those who attempt to import them into Australia.”
