How ketamine’s on the rise and getting into the UK
Apr 14, 2025
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Katie Gatens, Commissioning Editor for The Sunday Times News Review, explores the alarming rise of ketamine use in the UK, which has doubled in just a year. She discusses its origins, the challenges of policing its trafficking, and the notable shift toward younger users. Gatens also highlights the dangerous health risks associated with ketamine, including addiction and the infamous 'K-hole.' The complexities of its legal status and global supply chains further spotlight the issues surrounding this controversial substance.
The sharp rise in recreational ketamine use among young people in the UK has raised significant public health concerns and addiction rates.
The complex supply chain of ketamine, involving both legitimate and illegal sources, complicates law enforcement efforts to manage its distribution.
Deep dives
The Rising Use of Ketamine in the UK
The recreational use of ketamine in the UK has surged dramatically, with recent statistics revealing that consumption nearly doubled from 10.6 tonnes in 2023 to almost 25 tonnes in 2024. This increase is attributed to a combination of factors, including greater availability and increased awareness among young people aged 16 to 24, who are becoming the primary demographic of users. Experts suggest that the perception of ketamine has shifted, making it more familiar and accessible, which has led to a rise in addiction rates and associated high-profile tragedies. Notable cases linked to ketamine-related deaths have contributed to its growing presence in media headlines, highlighting a concerning trend that poses significant public health challenges.
Understanding Ketamine's Transformation and Risks
Originally developed as an anesthetic in the 1970s, ketamine is now widely misused recreationally, often in club settings where it is sought for its psychedelic effects. It can lead to severe side effects including panic attacks, memory impairment, and dangerous states known as 'K-holes,' which can incapacitate users. As it remains classified as a Class B drug in the UK, legal repercussions for trafficking are less severe than for Class A drugs, which lowers the risks for criminals involved in its distribution. This lenient classification has led to discussions about reclassifying it to Class A due to the increasing prevalence of its misuse and the associated public health implications.
The Complex Supply Chain of Ketamine
Ketamine enters the UK through a convoluted supply chain that often involves legitimate pharmaceutical production in countries like India and illegal manufacturing operations in places such as China and Southeast Asia. Criminal organizations exploit loopholes in the distribution system, often obtaining ketamine through legitimate channels but rerouting it for illegal use. They may infiltrate companies with existing ketamine licenses or establish fake companies to disguise the illicit transport of the drug. This complexity makes enforcement challenging for law enforcement agencies, as identifying the legal status of shipments can be difficult and complicated by the drug’s legitimate medical uses.
Recreational use of the Class B drug doubled in 2024. A Sunday Times investigation has looked into where it's coming from and why it's so hard to police.
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Guest: Katie Gatens, Commissioning Editor, The Sunday Times News Review.
