The UK Border Force confiscated a record 1.3 tonnes of ketamine in the first three months of 2026, the largest quarterly seizure in 15 years, according to the Home Office. This significant interception underscores growing concerns about the adverse health effects associated with the Class B drug.
In addition to the ketamine haul, Border Force officers seized over 59,000 doses of nitrous oxide and 9,000 kilograms of cocaine during the same period. The Home Office highlighted that these seizures prevent harm, disrupt organized crime, and protect communities across the country.
"Every seizure prevents harm, disrupts organised crime and helps protect families and communities across the country," said Jo White, the minister for migration and citizenship. "As criminal networks adapt and new threats emerge, our response will remain relentless. We will continue strengthening our borders, targeting organised crime and preventing harmful drugs from reaching our community."
The Border Force's efforts at Harwich International Port in Essex alone resulted in the seizure of 300 kilograms of ketamine over the past year. The drug, commonly known as 'K' or 'Special K' among users, is typically consumed as a powder and snorted.
These recent seizures align with a broader trend of increased drug confiscations. Data from the year ending March 2025 revealed a record 269,321 drug seizures in England and Wales, a 24% increase from the previous year and the highest total since records began in 1973. During that period, 137 tonnes of herbal cannabis were seized, along with nearly 3,400 ketamine seizures—a 50% increase and the highest since 2007. The quantity of powder cocaine seized fell by 35% to 18.5 tonnes, though the number of seizures reached 23,706, a 52-year high.
Experts warn that regular ketamine use can lead to severe health issues, including incontinence and bladder dysfunction. In some cases, users experience bladder bleeding and scarring, potentially requiring the organ's removal. A DM investigation highlighted the case of Beth, a former student who developed severe bladder damage after escalating her occasional party use to a daily habit, spending up to £50 a day and experiencing the need to urinate approximately 30 times daily. Her experience reflects growing concerns in areas like Bristol, where wastewater research indicates ketamine consumption may be among the highest in Europe.
Despite its risks, ketamine remains popular among young people due to its relative affordability, availability, and perceived lower danger compared to other illicit substances. However, doctors and drug charities report a rise in individuals suffering from 'ketamine bladder,' a condition characterized by severe pain, frequent urination, infections, and bleeding. In the most critical instances, patients may require a urostomy.