This substance was seized as part of Operation Vitreus in the ACT in September 2025. Photo: ACT Policing.
A week of action allegedly resulted in over $200,000 worth of cocaine, in addition to other drugs and weapons, being seized during raids across the ACT.
Operation Vitreus was a national week of action by all of Australia’s police forces, targeting the sale and distribution of illicit drugs across the country.
Last year, the operation reportedly netted $3 million worth of drugs and $500,000 in cash across the Territory.
ACT Policing executed four search warrants under the operation during the first week of September 2025.
As a result of the raids, they allegedly seized 1 kg of cocaine with an estimated value of $180,000-$220,000 and 500 grams of MDMA with an estimated value of $15,000.
They also allegedly found 600 mL of menzylpiperazine, prohibited weapons, steroids and drug paraphernalia.
During the operation, a 43-year-old man was arrested in Casey while a 26-year-old man was arrested in the City.
Both were charged with drug trafficking and prohibited weapons offences and will face court at a later date.
An Australian Federal Police (AFP) spokesperson said law enforcement agencies across Australia seized a total of 2.98 tonnes of drugs and charged 1246 people with 2522 offences during this year’s Operation Vitreus.
“Nationally, police seized 569.2 kg of cocaine, 90.6 kg of methamphetamine, 58.3 kg of ketamine, 3.1 kg of MDMA, 1271 cannabis plants, and 140.4 kg of loose cannabis, in addition to large quantities of other drugs and precursors,” they said.
“Police also seized $1,697,258 in cash, 52 firearms, nine vehicles, and dismantled two clandestine drug labs.”
Police also seized this substance during the raids. Photo: ACT Policing.
AFP Acting Superintendent Jim Rowe said this year’s National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission highlighted a sharp rise in drug use among Australians.
The program recorded cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin consumption all hitting record levels.
“This is obviously of concern to law enforcement, and highlights why combined efforts to reduce drug supply, like Operation Vitreus, are so important,” Acting Superintendent Rowe said.
“As a result of this week of action, a large amount of intelligence was obtained and will now be used to focus our collective efforts in further dismantling organised crime groups impacting Australia.
“The AFP will continue to work with our domestic and international partners to intercept and disrupt criminals who seek to profit from this insidious illicit drug trade, which is causing misery and devastation to Australians.”
This year’s Operation Vitreus focused on 1,4-Butanediol (1,4-BD). The AFP spokesperson said this drug is known as ‘fantasy’ or ‘bute’ and is a chemical solvent that converts to gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) in the body when ingested.
“Police seized 1959.2 litres (about twice the volume of a large refrigerator) of 1,4-BD across the week of action, including a record seizure of 1.92 litres of 1,4-BD derivative gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) by New Zealand Police,” the AFP spokesperson said.
Acting Superintendent Rowe said since its listing as a border-controlled drug in March 2024, 1,4-BD has become the most detected illicit drug by weight at the Australian border.
“The AFP continues to be concerned with reports 1,4-BD is one of the central drivers of fatal and non-fatal GHB overdoses in Australia, and is being used to facilitate sexual assault through the spiking of food and drinks,” he said.
“This substance is highly addictive, and also highly dangerous, as are other illicit drugs such as methamphetamine and cocaine.”
For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drug treatment services, call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015, or access free 24/7 drug and alcohol counselling online. For information about drug and alcohol addiction treatment or support, visit the Turning Point.
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