UK Border Force officers confiscated a record 1.3 tonnes of ketamine in the first three months of 2026, marking the largest quarterly seizure in 15 years, according to Home Office data. This significant haul comes amid growing awareness and concern regarding the potential health harms associated with regular ketamine use, including incontinence and severe bladder damage.
In addition to the ketamine, Border Force intercepted over 59,000 doses of nitrous oxide and 9,000 kilograms of cocaine during the same period. Officers at Harwich International Port in Essex were responsible for seizing 300kg of ketamine over the past year alone.
Minister for Migration and Citizenship Jo White stated that the record ketamine seizure underscores the vigilance of Border Force officers. "Every seizure prevents harm, disrupts organised crime and helps protect families and communities across the country," White said, emphasizing a commitment to combating criminal networks that profit from addiction.
These seizures reflect a broader trend in drug interdictions in England and Wales. Data for the year ending March 2025 showed a record 269,321 drug seizures, a 24% increase from the previous year and the highest total since records began in 1973. During that year, 137 tonnes of herbal cannabis were seized, the largest amount since 1973. Ketamine seizures also saw a significant rise, with nearly 3,400 seizures reported, a 50% increase and the highest since records began in 2007. Nitrous oxide seizures surged by almost 2,200%, totaling 4.19 million doses. While the number of powder cocaine seizures reached a 52-year high at 23,706, the total quantity seized decreased by 35% to 18.5 tonnes.
Ketamine, often referred to by users as 'K' or 'Special K', is typically consumed as a powder and snorted. Its increasing popularity among young people is attributed to its relatively low cost, widespread availability, and perceived lower risk compared to other illicit substances. However, medical professionals and drug support organizations report a rise in cases of 'ketamine bladder,' a condition characterized by severe pain, frequent urination, infections, and bleeding, which in extreme instances can necessitate bladder removal.
A previous investigation highlighted the case of a former student, identified only as Beth, who developed severe bladder damage after daily ketamine consumption, leading to substantial medical costs and a drastically altered quality of life. Wastewater research has also suggested high levels of ketamine consumption in areas like Bristol, potentially among the highest in Europe.
In a separate incident reported in April 2021, a 20-year-old man died after an extreme reaction to ketamine and ecstasy at a concert in Manchester, shortly before he was due to begin his studies. Megan is a pseudonym.
Overall, Border Force seized more than 148 tonnes of drugs, valued at an estimated £2.6 billion, in the year to March 2025.