The Story Best of 2025: How ketamine’s on the rise and getting into the UK
Dec 23, 2025
Katie Gatens, a commissioning editor at the Sunday Times and investigative journalist, dives into the alarming rise of ketamine use in the UK, particularly among 16–24-year-olds. She discusses the drug's origins, recreational effects, and severe health risks, including memory damage and bladder issues. Gatens sheds light on how ketamine is produced in India and China, detailing methods criminals use to divert legal shipments for illicit sale. Lastly, she highlights the challenges law enforcement faces and the risks of youth addiction, emphasizing the urgent need for effective solutions.
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Huge Ketamine Seizure At Channel Tunnel
- A Dutch van driver, Mika Voorhands, was stopped at the Channel Tunnel and found with 100kg of ketamine hidden behind plywood.
- The haul was worth about £4 million and was one of the largest seizures heading to the UK.
Ketamine Consumption Doubled In 2024
- England consumed almost 25 tonnes of ketamine in 2024, more than double 2023's 10.6 tonnes.
- Experts link the surge to both increased supply and rising demand among young people.
Young Demographic Drives UK Use
- The primary UK user group is 16–24-year-olds, younger than in much of Europe.
- Cheap pricing (around £10–20 a gram) helps explain its appeal to students and teens.