Christopher Walter Thorn, 38, allegedly used websites to order huge quantities of the border-controlled drug GBL, which the body converts to GHB, also known as fantasy.

Some of the shipments were allegedly delivered straight to his door, under the name "C Thorn".

Customs officers eventually detected a shipment, and police raided Thorn's home.

He told them he didn't know GBL was a border-controlled drug, the court heard.

Police also allegedly found bags of the drug ice and $38,000 cash.

Thorn is accused of importing well more than the commercial quantity of the drug in each shipment, meaning he faces a maximum of life imprisonment.

But the court heard there is no evidence he was selling or dealing the drug, and appears to simply have used it for personal consumption. He has been using GBL for 12 years, the court heard.

Thorn has been in custody since October but made an application for bail before Magistrate Robert Cook on Thursday.

Commonwealth prosecutor Katrina Musgrove opposed his release, fearing his heavy drug habit may lead to reoffending, and that the seriousness of the charges and his poor experience in prison so far make him a flight risk.

But his barrister Steven Whybrow said a place for Thorn was available at Arcadia House, a drug rehabilitation facility, and two cash sureties from his partner and sister were available.

He also argued strict bail conditions could manage any risk Thorn posed.

Mr Cook granted Thorn bail, despite airing his own concerns about the defendant's release.

Thorn is banned from using the internet, approaching any international point of departure, post offices, or leaving Arcadia House except on scheduled day trips.

He will also need to report back to court after his time in rehabilitation, which starts on Monday.

Thorn is also banned from using online credit facilities, and is subject to random drug and alcohol tests.