Date-Rape Drug 'Bute' Increasingly Linked to Sexual Assaults in Australia

[Social Media]

 

Australian authorities have raised alarms over a dangerous substance, commonly known as "bute" (1,4-butanediol), which is increasingly being linked to sexual assaults and overdoses. Over the past three months, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Australian Border Force (ABF) have seized a significant quantity of this drug, totaling 4,200 liters, primarily imported from China.

 

The seizure of butanediol, an industrial solvent that metabolizes into gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) when consumed, marks a significant crackdown following recent legislative changes that classified it as a border-controlled drug. GHB is known for its ability to depress the central nervous system, making it particularly dangerous.

 

AFP Commander Kate Ferry emphasized the serious health risks associated with butanediol. "Bute is an industrial chemical used to produce plastics and can be a significant danger if consumed," she stated. "The concerns of law enforcement agencies are rising because of reports bute is being increasingly linked to sexual assaults as well as overdoses." Ferry highlighted the drug’s typical use in manufacturing plastics and its extreme danger to humans.

 

Quantifying the exact prevalence of butanediol in sexual assaults is challenging because it metabolizes into GHB, making it indistinguishable in tests. However, anecdotal evidence from state and territory law enforcement agencies suggests that its use in date-rape cases has been on the rise since about 2020. "It’s significant enough for the commonwealth government to make that legislation change and put it at the height of the most serious drugs in Australia," Ferry noted.

 

A significant bust in early March uncovered approximately 180 liters of butanediol concealed in bottles labeled as body oil. This discovery led to further seizures, including 1,000 liters found in Fairfield and Lidcombe, with additional amounts seized later in March and May. Acting ABF Commander Asha Patwardhan explained that the drug is often smuggled into the country hidden in beauty products such as body oils and face masks, as well as in food and cooking products. "Typically we are seeing the imports originate from the Asian market, with the majority of larger quantities from China," Patwardhan said. "They are only interested in one thing and that is profits."

 

Ferry urged women to be vigilant about who has access to their drinks, though she acknowledged the broader systemic issues. "Australian women are a little tired of being told what to do in terms of being safe for themselves," she said. "We’re here today saying this is a whole of Australia problem. What the AFP and the ABF will do is actually target these people who are bringing this drug in, in the first place, that ends up in women’s drinks leading to harrowing consequences for them."

 

Ferry’s message to the community was clear: "Our message to the community is to stop taking this drug. Stop creating this international demand. Stop supporting criminal groups who seek to profit from the pain of others."

The importation of a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug carries severe penalties in Australia, including a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. This strong stance by the AFP and ABF highlights the ongoing efforts to curb the influx of dangerous substances and protect the public from their devastating effects.

 

Credit: The Guardian 2024-05-31

 

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[Purdey]

If it is brought in for industrial use by manufacturers and repurposed by rapists, what's the plan? Close factories down?

[EVENKEEL]

What is wrong with the Aussie guys that they have to drug their women first. Back in the day when we anchored outside Perth the women were throwing themselves at the US sailors. 

[JeffersLos]

3 hours ago, Social Media said:

"Bute is an industrial chemical used to produce plastics and can be a significant danger if consumed," Ferry highlighted the drug’s typical use in manufacturing plastics and its extreme danger to humans.

 

The upside is defecating full Lego sets. 

[thesetat]

1 hour ago, EVENKEEL said:

What is wrong with the Aussie guys that they have to drug their women first. Back in the day when we anchored outside Perth the women were throwing themselves at the US sailors. 

 l believe you answered your own question... The women there don't want Aussie men. They still prefer an American man who treats them good. 

[Srikcir]

1 hour ago, Purdey said:

Close factories down?

You think rapists run the factories? Unlikely.

Maybe stricter factory accountability of use of the substance, beginning with its import and processing.

But typically the industrial complex is a major campaign donor to get pro-industry candidates elected.

 

There is bio-based 1,5-pentadiol - a commonly used substitute for bio-based 1,4-butanediol in several end-users such as automotive, electronics, textile, and more, owing to its range of benefits which include high flexibility, and low toxicity while delivering similar performance and strength in comparison to bio-based 1,4.

https://www.industryarc.com/Research/Bio-based-1,4-butanediol-Market-Research-509323

But there would be an expense for US industries to convert, cost passed on to the consumer. Can't allow a hit on industry profit margins. Better people get hurt.

[SiSePuede419]

2 hours ago, EVENKEEL said:

What is wrong with the Aussie guys that they have to drug their women first

Weird, innnit. 😄

 

[john donson]

I have severe insomnia

 

would have loved if ghb was legal to try if it effect my sleep

 

had a collogue many moons ago that drank that before coming to work and was half intoxicated most of the times, but a happy dude

[Purdey]

4 hours ago, Srikcir said:

Close factories down?

Sarcasm

[radiochaser]

22 hours ago, SiSePuede419 said:

Weird, innnit. 😄

 

Does anyone know the title of the books he bought?  Asking for uh ... uh ... my wife!

[thaibeachlovers]

If it stops women on dates expecting men to buy their drinks and getting their own instead, that might be a positive outcome.

 

It might also be a good idea not to go on dates with scumbags.