A 43-year-old Burleigh Waters man has been charged by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) for importing 1.3 kilograms of gamma butyrolactone (GBL).

Earlier this month, Customs and Border Protection officers selected a consignment for examination at Air Cargo Operations in Brisbane. The consignment had arrived from China and contained two bottles weighing approximately 1.3 kilograms in total. Initial testing indicated that the substance in the bottles was GBL. The consignment was referred to the AFP and an investigation began.

On 9 February 2011, AFP officers executed a search warrant at the man's residence, where a large amount of drug paraphernalia and documentary evidence was seized. The man was arrested by AFP officers on 17 February 2011 and charged with importing a marketable quantity of a border controlled drug, contrary to section 307.5(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995.

AFP Manager Crime Operations Peter Sykora said GBL was a dangerous drug and a prohibited import.

"GBL is a date-rape drug, also known as 'fantasy', which metabolises into the drug gamma-hydoxybutryate (GHB) in the body. It can cause abrupt loss of consciousness, respiratory difficulties, coma and death," Commander Sykora said.

"This substance is extremely dangerous and those that seek to import or traffic it should be warned that they will face the full impact of the law."

Customs and Border Protection Deputy Chief Executive Officer Raelene Vivian said the seizure was a good example of Australia's border controls working effectively.

"Customs and Border Protection officers are scanning and detecting illicit goods at Australia's borders every day of the year," Ms Vivian said.