2LT Local News

Authorities in Australia have reported a surge in the seizure of ketamine, a dangerous sedative, at the country’s borders, raising concerns about an uptick in criminal efforts to import the prohibited substance.

According to the Australian Federal Police (AFP), a record-breaking 882 kilograms of ketamine were confiscated in 2023, more than double the amount seized in the previous year. Ketamine is known for its potential to cause disorientation, memory loss, depression, seizures, and even death.

The AFP has stated that transnational serious organized crime (TSOC) syndicates are employing increasingly sophisticated methods to conceal the illicit substance, making it more challenging for law enforcement to intercept.

In a notable incident in July 2023, Australian Border Force (ABF) officers discovered 84 kilograms of ketamine concealed inside two new commercial vans aboard a cargo ship bound for Sydney.

Upon searching the ship during a stop in Melbourne, officers allegedly found 79 plastic bags containing the drug hidden within the panels of the vehicles. Three individuals were subsequently charged with attempting to possess a commercial quantity of border-controlled drugs, as well as for their alleged involvement in the transnational crime syndicate.

During the same month, the AFP, in collaboration with law enforcement partners, made the largest ketamine seizure in Australia, intercepting 145 kilograms of the drug in Victoria. Approximately 80 kilograms of ketamine were reportedly concealed in 40 buckets of liquid micro cement, which arrived in Melbourne via sea cargo. Further investigation led to the seizure of an additional 65 kilograms buried at an address in Lara, near Geelong. Three individuals have been charged in connection with this operation.

In October, a Taiwanese national was apprehended at Brisbane International Airport after ABF officers allegedly found 250 grams of ketamine concealed in vitamin bottles within his luggage. The individual was charged with attempting to import border-controlled drugs.

On March 1, 2024, ABF officers at Sydney International Airport discovered an estimated 20 kilograms of ketamine concealed in the suitcases of an 18-year-old UK national. The teenager was subsequently charged with importing a commercial quantity of border-controlled drugs and was denied bail during a court appearance at Downing Centre Local Court. He is set to appear in court again on May 1, 2024.

Acting Commander Kristy Scott of the AFP emphasized the dangers of ketamine, describing it as a highly dangerous and addictive substance with dissociative effects that can have severe impacts on individuals and communities. She reiterated the AFP’s commitment to combatting illicit drug imports and holding offenders accountable.

Assistant Commissioner James Watson of the ABF reassured the public that border force officers are equipped and trained to detect and intercept dangerous substances like ketamine. He warned criminal groups that despite their attempts to evade detection, the ABF remains vigilant in safeguarding Australia’s borders.

Recent findings from the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program have indicated a record high in ketamine use in April 2023. Despite this increase in ketamine importations, AFP intelligence suggests that the ketamine market remains relatively smaller compared to other illicit drug markets in Australia, such as cocaine and methamphetamine.