Smugglers exploit loopholes in ketamine trafficking across Europe

The recent discovery at Brussels Airport shocked customs officials: a shipment intended to contain a tonne of medical ketamine had been swapped for salt during its journey across Europe. Initially verified by Dutch customs, the consignment had traversed multiple countries before disappearing, suggesting that it likely entered the black market.

As criminal organizations become increasingly adept at exploiting the legal status of ketamine in certain nations, they transport the substance across borders to evade detection. In Belgium, Marc Vancoillie, head of the country’s central drug directorate, reported that at least 28 similar cases have been identified this year, involving an estimated 28 tonnes of ketamine.

The rise in ketamine use in the UK is alarming, with a reported 85% increase in consumption between 2023 and 2024. In 2023 alone, there were 53 fatalities linked to the drug, including that of high-profile figures. The National Crime Agency (NCA) noted that UK organized crime groups are increasingly targeting this lucrative market.

Complicating law enforcement efforts is ketamine's dual classification: while it is considered a narcotic in countries like the UK and Belgium, it is regulated as a medical substance in others such as Austria and Germany. This inconsistency allows criminals to transport it with less scrutiny.

Smugglers typically source ketamine from India, where it is produced legally. Upon reaching Europe, organized crime groups divert it into illicit channels. An example of this was a recent case where a verified shipment at the Belgian port of Antwerp was found to contain sugar instead of ketamine.

The complexity of the smuggling routes makes detection and enforcement challenging. Criminals often establish front companies to import the drug under the guise of legitimate use, further complicating investigations. Belgian and Dutch police emphasize the difficulty in tracing these operations back to origin points.

Germany, as the largest importer of ketamine in Europe, imports significant quantities that far exceed legitimate medical needs. Authorities are now coordinating with Indian officials to address these trafficking issues.

In the UK, ketamine’s affordability—approximately £20 per gram—compared to other drugs makes it appealing to users, particularly the youth demographic, which has seen a dramatic rise in consumption since 2013. Smuggling methods include concealing the drug in postal parcels and transporting it via vehicles through the Channel Tunnel.

Authorities underscore the necessity for international collaboration to combat the escalating crisis. With inventive trafficking methods on the rise, the call for global responsibility in addressing this issue is louder than ever.