Reports of a New Surge in Ketamine Drug Seizures Across the U.S.

 

The CDC reports that drug poisonings in America are at a record high. Over 107,622 people died from a drug overdose last year with 70% caused by synthetic opioids like Fentanyl. 

As if the Fentanyl crisis isn’t concerning enough, a new alarming trend on the streets shows that Ketamine, an anesthetic with hallucinogenic effects, is being combined with other drugs to give users an increased high that is a potentially lethal one. Ketamine is also known as the date rape drug “Special K”.

Officers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that the number of Ketamine seizures at JFK Airport in New York has increased significantly from 50 kilos in 2020 to 400 kilos in 2022 – a rise of 700%. Shipping routes for these drugs are coming from all different countries. Customs and Border Protection agents on the front line are deploying a multi-layered approach using drug-detecting dogs, handheld drug-detecting devices, x-ray machines, and other tools to track and control distribution of these harmful drugs across our nation.

Staying on top of current drug trends like this helps bring light to the potential risks we face in today’s world and increases the importance of staying informed and vigilant to protect our own health and safety.