Police have seized approximately 875 kilograms of ketamine with an estimated street value of £17 million after stopping a van on the East Lancashire Road. A 46-year-old man from Liverpool has been arrested in connection with the major drug haul, which officers described as a significant blow to organised crime in the region.
Key Takeaways
- An estimated £17 million worth of ketamine was seized by police in Merseyside.
- The total weight of the drugs found was approximately 875 kilograms, contained in 35 sacks.
- The seizure followed a vehicle stop on the East Lancashire Road on Tuesday, September 16.
- A 46-year-old man from Liverpool was arrested at the scene and is being questioned.
Major Drug Seizure in Merseyside
Officers from the Merseyside Organised Crime Partnership (OCP) and Merseyside Police conducted a targeted stop of a commercial van on the afternoon of Tuesday, September 16. The vehicle was travelling along the East Lancashire Road, a major route connecting Liverpool and Greater Manchester.
A subsequent search of the van's cargo area revealed a substantial quantity of controlled substances. Police discovered 35 large white sacks, which were later confirmed to contain a total of 875 kilograms of ketamine.
The driver of the vehicle, a 46-year-old man from Liverpool, was immediately arrested on suspicion of drug-related offences. He was taken into custody where he is currently being questioned by investigators.
Seizure by the Numbers
- Estimated Value: £17,000,000
- Total Weight: 875 kilograms
- Packaging: 35 white sacks
- Arrests: 1
'Significant Seizure' Disrupts Organised Crime
Senior police officials have highlighted the importance of the operation in preventing a large amount of harmful drugs from reaching communities. The seizure is one of the most significant of its kind in the region in recent years.
Detective Chief Inspector Tony Roberts of the Merseyside OCP commented on the success of the joint operation.
“Merseyside OCP has made a significant seizure of a drug which is posing an increasing threat to UK communities. Our operation has ensured that this large quantity of ketamine will never make it on to UK streets and endanger drug users.”
He added that the operation reflects a continued commitment to tackling the criminal networks responsible for the drug trade.
“Merseyside OCP is working relentlessly to identify and arrest organised criminals who are profiting from the destruction and violence caused by the drugs trade,” DCI Roberts stated.
National Context of Ketamine Use
This large-scale seizure comes amid growing concerns over ketamine use both locally and nationally. In Liverpool, city councillors have previously warned of a ‘ketamine crisis’ affecting the region, pointing to the drug's increasing availability and the harm it causes.
UK Government Considers Reclassification
In January, the Home Office announced it would seek expert advice on reclassifying ketamine. The proposal involves moving the drug from its current Class B status to the more serious Class A category, alongside substances like cocaine and heroin. This would lead to significantly harsher penalties for possession and supply.
Usage Statistics Among Young People
Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) provides insight into the prevalence of ketamine use, particularly among younger demographics. According to figures for the period between April 2023 and March 2024, approximately 2.9% of 16 to 24-year-olds reported using the drug.
While this figure represents a slight decrease from the previous year's record high of 3.8% for the same age group, it still indicates that ketamine remains a commonly used substance among young adults in the UK.
Legal Status and Penalties
Under current UK law, ketamine is classified as a Class B controlled substance. The penalties for offences involving Class B drugs are severe, reflecting the potential for harm and addiction associated with their use and distribution.
The maximum penalty for the supply and production of ketamine is currently set at up to 14 years in prison. Courts can also impose an unlimited fine, or a combination of both a custodial sentence and a fine.
If the government proceeds with reclassifying ketamine to Class A, the maximum sentence for supply and production would increase to life imprisonment. The investigation into the East Lancashire Road seizure remains ongoing.