Australian police arrested a 31-year-old French woman upon her arrival from Thailand at Perth Airport after discovering the dangerous drug "butanediol" concealed in a shower cream bottle. Examination of photos on her mobile phone revealed she had swallowed illegal items, leading to the expulsion of 40 steroid tablets. She faces serious charges with a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP), together with the Australian Border Force (ABF), announced the arrest of a 31-year-old French national residing in the Manning area. She appeared in Perth Magistrates Court on 26 June after being charged with smuggling prohibited drugs and controlled substances into the country.
The suspect traveled from Thailand and was immediately subjected to baggage inspection by ABF officers upon arriving at Perth International Airport on 29 May. A thorough examination of her luggage revealed a small plastic bottle labeled as "shower cream," but chemical analysis showed the liquid inside was 50 grams of "butanediol," a controlled chemical substance under border laws.
Authorities also searched her mobile phone and found photos suggesting she had swallowed or concealed illegal items inside her body. The ABF handed her over to the AFP for further legal action. Subsequently, the woman expelled 40 steroid tablets from her body, which were seized as evidence for forensic examination.
She was initially charged with smuggling drugs and controlled substances in commercial quantities under Section 307.2 of the Australian Criminal Code. This offense carries a maximum penalty of 25 years imprisonment.
John Eldridge, Commander of the Australian Border Force (ABF), explained that butanediol is a highly dangerous chemical solvent which, once inside the human body, converts into 'GHB' (gamma-hydroxybutyrate), known as the "date-rape drug." Even a few milligrams can cause immediate death.
The ABF commander stated, "Due to its extreme danger, Australia declared butanediol a controlled border substance since 2024. Therefore, illegal importation of this substance carries penalties equivalent to other well-known serious drugs such as methamphetamine (ice), heroin, and cocaine."
Peter Brindal, Acting Detective Superintendent of the AFP, emphasized that law enforcement will continue to tighten and maintain vigilant surveillance at airports to prevent illegal substances from passing through incoming passenger gates. He warned those considering smuggling drugs that this is a serious crime with severe penalties and that they cannot evade detection.