Ketamine has emerged as a more prevalent illegal party drug than amphetamines in the United Kingdom, with police seizures of the veterinary tranquilizer soaring by 151 percent in five years, according to new Home Office figures. Forces recorded 1,845 offenses of possessing ketamine in 2025-26, a significant increase from 735 offenses in 2020-21. In contrast, amphetamine possession offenses fell by more than half, from 2,576 in 2020-21 to 1,209 in 2025-26.
This shift in drug prevalence raises concerns about the growing risks associated with ketamine, particularly among young people. The drug, known as 'K' or 'Special K,' can induce a dream-like sensation but carries risks of temporary paralysis, known as a 'k-hole.' When mixed with alcohol or other substances, ketamine use can lead to serious health issues, including heart problems, hallucinations, memory loss, mental health problems, and organ damage. The cost of a single dose is reportedly as low as £2.
Data from a survey of police forces in England and Wales indicates a sharp rise in ketamine-related offenses in specific areas. Merseyside recorded the highest number of ketamine possession offenses, with 331 incidents in 2025-26, nearly three times the number recorded by the Metropolitan Police. The overall scale of ketamine possession may be underestimated, as Home Office reporting rules prioritize the most serious drug found in a possession offense, potentially masking ketamine behind more serious substances like cocaine.
Furthermore, Home Office data suggests that a majority of individuals caught with ketamine receive minimal penalties. In 2025-26, fewer than a third of ketamine possession cases resulted in a charge. Nearly half of these resolved with an informal disposal, such as a 'community resolution,' a notable increase from just over a fifth in 2020-21.
Drug treatment specialists have observed a surge in individuals seeking help for ketamine addiction. Zaheen Ahmed of the UKAT Group reported that young men and women, some as young as 18, are presenting with severe health problems, including incontinence and bladder issues. Ahmed noted that a significant number of individuals treated for ketamine addiction expressed surprise at the extent of physical damage the drug can cause and stated that the group is treating more people for ketamine addiction this year than in any previous full year.
Research from King's College London has documented 696 deaths involving illicit ketamine since 1999. Public figures have also spoken out about their struggles with the drug, including RuPaul's Drag Race UK winner The Vivienne and actor Matthew Perry, who died in 2023. Supermodel Cara Delevingne revealed in June 2026 that she had overcome a decade-long addiction to the drug.
This rise in ketamine's prominence occurs months after the government's Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) declined to recommend upgrading ketamine's classification from Class B to Class A. A government spokesperson stated that the administration is committed to reducing drug-related harm and deaths and is closely monitoring emerging drug threats. The government is currently reviewing the ACMD's recommendations regarding the classification of ketamine.