Detectives from the Major Drug Squad have arrested two people over the past week and seized a range of drugs as part of an investigation into the trafficking of 1,4 butanediol, commonly known as ‘bupe’ in Melbourne.
Police executed a warrant at a residential property on Albion Road, Box Hill this morning and arrested a 27-year-old Box Hill man.
He is currently being interviewed and expected to be charged today with trafficking large commercial quantity of methylamphetamine, 5 counts of attempt to traffick a large commercial quantity of 1,4-Butanediol, knowingly deal proceeds of crime and possessing identification to commit an indictable offence.
Detectives also seized over 1.5 tonnes of 1,4-butanediol with a street value of approximately $4.7M, almost 1kg methylamphetamine with a street value of approximately $150,000 and a significant quantity of cash.
On 4 July, a 29-year-old Melbourne man was arrested and interviewed by detectives.
He was subsequently released pending further enquiries.
The three-month investigation was conducted with the assistance of Australian Border Force.
1,4 butanediol or ‘bupe’ is used in the treatment of heroin addiction. It is often administered to prisoners with a heroin addiction and is regularly traded within the prison system.
Anyone with information about illegal drug trafficking is urged to contact police.