CBP Seizes 120 Pounds Of Ketamine Illegally Shipped From Europe

U.S. Customs and Border Protection on Thursday announced the recent seizure of three illegal shipments of ketamine destined for California from Europe.

CBP officers in Louisville, Ky., seized three separate shipments of the Schedule III drug on Feb. 14, 19 and 21. Two of the shipments originated in Belgium and one originated in France. All were destined for California.

The packages were mis-manifested, and showed anomalies during X-ray examination, CBP said. Each package contained approximately 40 pounds of ketamine, for a total of 120 pounds, worth an estimated street value of $775,000.

“These seizures demonstrate the vigilance and dedication of our CBP officers who are on the frontline protecting the health and safety of American citizens,” LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, Director, Field Operations-Chicago, said in a statement. “Our officers continue to use their skills, experience, intuition, and all available tools to ensure these kinds of shipments dont make it into our homes.”

Ketamine has legitimate uses in human and veterinary medicine, as a sedative and pain reliever. More recently, doctors have begun using the drug to treat mental health and substance use disorders. When used or abused recreationally, it can cause dissociation, hallucinations and even temporary paralysis. Overdoses can cause nausea, irregular heart rate, muscle stiffening, unconsciousness, and respiratory failure leading to death.

“Our experienced officers continue to protect our citizens and their children,” said Phil Onken, Port Director, Louisville. “These seizures are one example of the quality enforcement work the officers do daily. We are committed to stopping the flow of illegal and dangerous drugs that are used to prey on innocent civilians.”