Ketamine-related arrests have more than doubled in the span of four years, with individuals as young as 14 being apprehended for possessing the drug, according to new data.
The use of ketamine, a dangerous horse tranquilizer known to cause lasting bladder damage, is reaching near “epidemic” levels as it is easily accessible online for as little as £1 per dose, as stated by an expert.
In 2025, there were a total of 601 ketamine-related arrests across various police forces, a significant increase from 269 in 2021. The distribution of cases nationwide is noteworthy, with rural and smaller police forces impacted as urban gangs distribute the drug to these areas.
A parent, Wendy Teasdill, who tragically lost her 18-year-old daughter to ketamine in 2013, expressed deep concern over the escalating use of the drug among young people, emphasizing the destructive consequences of regular ketamine use.
Among the police forces that responded to inquiries about ketamine arrests over the past five years, notable increases were reported. For instance, North Wales Police detained 27 suspects in the previous year, a stark rise from only two in 2021.
Other regions such as Cumbria, Kent, Merseyside, Essex, Cheshire, Devon, Cornwall, Dorset, and Dyfed-Powys witnessed varying degrees of escalation in ketamine-related arrests.
Rehabs UK Senior Treatment Advisor, Scott Ardley, attributed the surge in ketamine use to its increased availability and affordability, with the drug being easily obtainable for as low as £5 per gram, making it a popular choice among youths ordering online through social media platforms.
A concerning trend highlighted by Ardley is the rise in young individuals experiencing severe bladder issues due to ketamine use, leading to a vicious cycle of dependence on the drug. The prevalence of ketamine among adolescents, facilitated by online platforms like Snapchat, underscores the urgent need for intervention.
Unlike natural substances like cocaine, ketamine is a synthetic drug illicitly manufactured in the UK using chemical components sourced from countries like China and India. Criminal organizations also traffic ketamine from Indian factories where the bulk of the drug is produced for pharmaceutical purposes.
Despite the overall uptrend in ketamine-related incidents, some police forces like West Yorkshire and North Yorkshire reported a decrease in arrests, signaling potential localized successes in combating the issue.
The affordability and discreet nature of ketamine, often consumed as a white powder, make it a preferred choice for many users. However, the drug’s harmful effects on the bladder, kidneys, and overall health are becoming increasingly apparent, with fatalities linked to ketamine use rising in recent years.
The growing concerns surrounding ketamine have prompted discussions on its classification, with calls for stricter regulations to curb its availability and deter illicit distribution. Policymakers are deliberating on potential reclassification to a Class A drug in response to the escalating public health risks associated with ketamine abuse.
As the detrimental impact of ketamine misuse continues to unfold, stakeholders emphasize the need for proactive measures to address the evolving challenges posed by the drug. Public awareness campaigns and targeted interventions are deemed essential to mitigate the harmful effects of ketamine abuse and safeguard vulnerable populations from its detrimental consequences.
