Attempting to buy original Nembutal online in Australia comes with serious legal consequences, including potential prison sentences and fines of up to $825,000. Despite these severe penalties, hundreds of Australians have illegally imported this drug over the past couple of years. Nembutal, also known as pentobarbital, belongs to the class of drugs called barbiturates. In Australia, it is currently classified as a Schedule 4 prescription-only medicine, though the Therapeutic Goods Administration is considering reclassifying it as a Schedule 8 controlled substance similar to morphine.
While some refer to Nembutal as “the peaceful pill”, it’s important to understand that this drug cannot be legally purchased online in Australia. However, this hasn’t stopped people from trying. Some Australians have managed to order and receive the drug from overseas sources, particularly China, with delivery times as short as two weeks. These shipments sometimes arrive concealed inside greeting cards. Unfortunately, many others have fallen victim to scams when attempting to purchase Nembutal online. In this article, we’ll examine what Nembutal is, why people seek it, the legal implications of trying to obtain it, and the significant risks involved.
What is Nembutal and why is it sought after?
Nembutal, known chemically as pentobarbital sodium, belongs to the barbiturate class of medications. This short-acting barbiturate functions primarily as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. Unlike other medications, Nembutal works by binding to GABA receptors in the brain, increasing the duration that chloride ion channels remain open, thereby prolonging the inhibitory effect of GABA in the thalamus.
Understanding Nembutal (Pentobarbital)
Pentobarbital was initially developed for medical purposes, specifically as a sedative-hypnotic drug. At low doses, it helps initiate sleep, and at higher doses, it can manage anxiety. Furthermore, this substance has been used to control seizures, serve as a preanesthetic for surgery, and function as an anticonvulsant in emergency situations.
The effect of Nembutal is relatively quick—sedation begins within 3-5 minutes after administration and reaches peak effectiveness in approximately 10 minutes. Nevertheless, the relatively long duration of action (1-2 hours or more) means recovery can be slow.
Why people seek to buy Nembutal in Australia
Many individuals attempt to acquire original Nembutal online in Australia because it’s widely recognized as a means for euthanasia. Euthanasia advocates like Dr. Philip Nitschke refer to it as the “peaceful pill” since it reportedly causes a person to fall into progressively deeper sleep before eventually stopping breathing. Those watching describe it as “the most peaceful of deaths”.
Additionally, a court ruling established that providing Nembutal could offer significant psychological relief to dying patients, even if they never actually take it. With surveys consistently showing substantial community support for assisted suicide among terminally ill individuals who wish to end their lives on their terms, the demand for Nembutal continues to grow.
Medical vs. non-medical use cases
In medical settings, Nembutal serves various legitimate purposes, including managing seizures, inducing short-term sleep, and providing preanesthetic sedation. It can additionally reduce intracranial pressure in certain conditions and induce medical comas when necessary.
Beyond its approved medical applications, Nembutal has gained notoriety for its use in euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide in countries like the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, and certain US states where such practices are legal. In high doses, it causes death through respiratory arrest.
In Australia, although Nembutal remains legal for veterinary purposes such as animal euthanasia and anesthesia, it remains illegal for human use.
How people order original Nembutal online in Australia
Finding ways to buy original Nembutal online has become a clandestine activity for many Australians seeking end-of-life options. Consequently, various underground networks have emerged to facilitate this illegal trade.
Common online sources and suppliers
Most Australians seeking Nembutal turn to Chinese suppliers, who have dominated the market in recent years. Notably, these transactions typically happen through websites that operate beyond Australian jurisdiction. In fact, some individuals search for suppliers through blacklisted websites hosted offshore. The drug may arrive discreetly packaged – sometimes concealed inside greeting cards. Moreover, before Chinese suppliers became prominent, Mexico was a common source, with reports indicating over 100 Australians traveled there annually to obtain the drug.
How Exit International and The Peaceful Pill Handbook work
Exit International, founded by Dr. Philip Nitschke, operates as an international non-profit organization advocating for voluntary euthanasia and assisted suicide. With approximately 3,500 members (average age 75) as of 2011, the organization provides information through multiple channels. Their controversial publication, The Peaceful Pill Handbook, offers specific instructions on obtaining Nembutal. Although banned in Australia, this book remains accessible online for AUD 122.32. In addition to this resource, Exit International produces instructional videos and has developed technology for testing Nembutal purity – including a smartphone app connecting to an infrared spectrometer.
Steps people take to acquire Nembutal online
The process typically involves:
- Accessing information through Exit International’s resources
- Contacting suppliers listed in The Peaceful Pill Handbook
- Transferring payment (approximately US$360 in some cases)
- Receiving the package through mail within about two weeks
Risks of importing Nembutal from overseas
Importing Nembutal carries substantial legal and practical risks. First and foremost, penalties include potential imprisonment or fines reaching up to AUD 1,261,416.94. Additionally, buyers face the possibility of being scammed – paying but never receiving the drug. Another significant risk involves receiving counterfeit products that aren’t actually pentobarbitone. To address quality concerns, Dr. Nitschke established a mobile testing laboratory, claiming that most samples tested proved to be “high quality Nembutal”. Australian Federal Police have seized approximately 15 kilograms of the drug since 2007.
Legal and ethical concerns around Nembutal access
The legal landscape surrounding efforts to buy original Nembutal online in Australia remains clear-cut, with strict regulations governing its possession and use.
Is it legal to buy Nembutal in Australia?
Purchasing Nembutal in Australia faces significant legal barriers. In Australia, pentobarbital is classified as a Schedule 4 prescription-only medicine, with the Therapeutic Goods Administration considering reclassifying it as a Schedule 8 controlled substance (like morphine). It was removed from the PBS schedule in 1980, yet remains accessible through the Special Access Scheme. Accordingly, it cannot be legally dispensed unless a doctor obtains special permission via this scheme.
Penalties for importing or possessing Nembutal
Those caught importing or possessing Nembutal face serious consequences. Penalties range from imprisonment to fines reaching up to AUD 1,261,416.94. In Western Australia, possession offenses can result in fines up to AUD 3,057.98 and/or two years in prison. Regardless of these harsh penalties, some individuals have received more lenient treatment, as seen in one case where a 68-year-old man received a spent conviction after pleading guilty to importing six grams.
The double effect principle in palliative care
The double effect principle recognizes that administering medication to relieve pain is lawful even if it might hasten death. Primarily, this applies when:
- The intention is pain relief, not causing death
- The medication administration is authorized
- The person is near death
Euthanasia vs. suicide: the ongoing debate
Until recently, voluntary assisted dying was illegal throughout Australia. Currently, VAD laws operate in all six Australian states but remain illegal in the Northern Territory. This ongoing debate centers around whether giving patients control over end-of-life decisions might relieve anxiety and potentially extend life by removing death-related stress.
Scams, safety, and what to watch out for
The internet is rife with criminals targeting those seeking to buy original Nembutal online in Australia, creating a perilous landscape for vulnerable individuals.
Fake websites and fraud risks
Currently, over 300 scam websites claim to sell Nembutal, yet research indicates that more than 95% of online pharmacies operate illegally. These sophisticated criminal networks control thousands of pharmacy-related domains, employing tactics such as hijacking legitimate medical websites and manipulating search engine results.
How scammers misuse trusted names
Opportunistic scammers frequently use Dr. Philip Nitschke’s image without permission and appropriate the name of his organization Exit International to lend credibility to their operations. Some create deceptive websites with nearly identical names to respected organizations, often changing just one letter. As Dr. Nitschke noted, “They’re using my image… and they think they get some currency from that”.
How to verify a legitimate source (if any)
Given that importing Nembutal privately into Australia is automatically illegal, there are no legitimate online sources.
Why many lose money trying to buy Nembutal online in Australia
People in desperate situations often proceed with purchases even while aware of possible scams. A common tactic involves delivering on a few initial orders to build reputation, then disappearing once larger sums arrive. These criminals typically charge between $764.50 and $1070.29 for what they claim is sufficient Nembutal.
Conclusion
The search for Nembutal online represents a complex intersection of legal boundaries, ethical considerations, and personal desperation. Many Australians risk severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and fines exceeding $800,000, when attempting to obtain this barbiturate through illegal channels. Consequently, vulnerable individuals often fall victim to sophisticated scams that exploit their difficult circumstances.
Though some people successfully import Nembutal from overseas sources, particularly China, this action remains firmly outside Australian law. The drug’s classification as a Schedule 4 prescription-only medicine means legitimate access requires special medical permission through proper channels.
We must also acknowledge the deeper questions this issue raises about end-of-life choices. While all Australian states now have voluntary assisted dying laws, the Northern Territory still prohibits this practice. This legal patchwork creates confusion and drives some people toward risky black market solutions.
The reality remains clear – anyone seeking to buy original Nembutal online in Australia faces not only legal jeopardy but also significant safety risks. Fake websites, counterfeit products, and outright fraud schemes await those who pursue this path. Organizations like Exit International continue to advocate for expanded end-of-life options, yet their resources sometimes lead people toward these dangerous alternatives.
Before considering such drastic measures, Australians should explore legal medical options, speak with healthcare professionals, and understand the full range of palliative care services available. The risks associated with illegal Nembutal procurement extend far beyond legal consequences – they potentially compound suffering rather than alleviating it.
Key Takeaways
This article examines the dangerous reality of attempting to purchase Nembutal online in Australia, revealing critical legal and safety concerns that every reader should understand.
• Severe Legal Consequences: Importing or possessing Nembutal in Australia carries penalties up to $825,000 in fines and potential prison sentences, with no legal online sources available.
• Widespread Scam Operations: Over 95% of online pharmacies operate illegally, with 300+ fake websites targeting vulnerable individuals seeking Nembutal, often stealing money without delivering products.
• High-Risk Black Market Activity: While some Australians successfully import from Chinese suppliers, this remains illegal and dangerous, with packages sometimes concealed in greeting cards.
• Legal Alternatives Exist: All six Australian states now have voluntary assisted dying laws, providing legitimate medical pathways for end-of-life decisions under proper supervision.
• Quality and Safety Concerns: Even when successfully obtained, imported Nembutal may be counterfeit or impure, creating additional health risks beyond the legal consequences.
The intersection of desperation and illegal activity creates a perfect storm for exploitation. Those considering this path should explore legal medical options and consult healthcare professionals about available palliative care services before risking severe legal penalties and potential fraud victimization.
FAQs
Q1. What is Nembutal and why do some people seek it? Nembutal is a barbiturate medication that acts as a central nervous system depressant. Some individuals seek it for its sedative properties or as a means for euthanasia, though this use is illegal in most contexts.
Q2. Is it legal to purchase Nembutal online in Australia? No, it is not legal to buy Nembutal online in Australia. Importing or possessing Nembutal without proper authorization can result in severe legal consequences, including hefty fines and potential imprisonment.
Q3. What are the risks of attempting to buy Nembutal online? Attempting to purchase Nembutal online carries significant risks, including legal penalties, financial scams, and receiving counterfeit or dangerous products. Many websites claiming to sell Nembutal are fraudulent operations.
Q4. Are there legal alternatives for end-of-life care in Australia? Yes, all six Australian states now have voluntary assisted dying laws, providing legal medical pathways for end-of-life decisions under proper supervision. However, it remains illegal in the Northern Territory.
Q5. Where can Australians find support for mental health concerns? Australians struggling with depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts can contact Lifeline for 24-hour crisis counseling and support. They can be reached at 13 11 14, by texting 0477 13 11 14, or through online chat services.