Customs uncovers smuggling of gamma-butyrolactone
Customs has investigated a smuggling case involving express freight deliveries of gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) from Central Europe to Finland. Based on the investigation of the case, a total of 360 litres of the substance was delivered to Finland in several consignments.
Customs investigated the import and distribution of gamma-butyrolactone from June 2025 to January 2026. Smugglers are suspected of arranging express freight deliveries of 360 litres of the substance from Germany and Slovenia to Finland. According to Customs Investigation, 190 litres of the substance ended up in distribution mainly in the Uusimaa region. Customs seized altogether 170 litres of the substance.
– Based on the preliminary investigation, the street value of the GBL that ended up in distribution was about 190 000 euros, and the intended proceeds of crime amount to as much as 720 000 euros, says investigation leader Sirpa Hara.
The activity was systematic. The two smugglers ordered GBL on several occasions to Germany and Slovenia where they received the consignments and placed the substance into plastic cans and canisters. They then sent the substance to Finland using made-up recipient details, and received the consignments themselves in Finland.
– One of the suspects said that they forwarded the substance in Finland to a third recipient. However, we did not identify any person in the preliminary investigation who would have received GBL from the suspects.
Customs carried out a search at the suspects’ apartment and seized a fake police card, as well as firearm ammunitions of various calibres among other items.
Gamma-butyrolactone is a highly dangerous substance
Last year, Customs seized about 133 litres of gamma-butyrolactone. The 2024 quantity was five litres. Due to misuse, GBL is classified as a psychoactive substance banned from the consumer market. It is a solvent used for example in industrial cleaning. The substance is highly dangerous, as it is fat-soluble and can easily access the central nervous system. Metabolism then converts it into gamma. Both substances are extremely dangerous, as the difference in dosage between an intoxicating amount and a lethal amount is small. The substances are especially dangerous when combined with alcohol. GBL is also a gamma precursor that can be used in producing gamma-hydroxybutyrate or gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB). Gamma is classified as a narcotic substance.
Two Estonian citizens who live in Finland are suspected to be main perpetrators. One of the persons has been detained. Customs has cooperated with the Slovenian and Estonian authorities in the case. The criminal investigation by Customs has focused on 38 cases of smuggling, possession of counterfeit material and a firearms offence. The preliminary investigation is about to be completed, and in the near future the case will be forwarded to the Prosecution District of Southern Finland for consideration of charges.