Arrests related to ketamine across England and Wales have more than doubled over the past four years, with law enforcement agencies reporting a significant increase in cases involving young users, including children as young as 14. Data obtained from 24 police forces show that ketamine-related arrests rose from 269 in 2021 to 601 in 2025.

The numbers vary by region, with some areas, such as Cheshire, witnessing a rise from zero arrests in 2021 to 27 in 2025, while others, like Merseyside and Essex, saw increases from 15 to 48 and 67 to 96 arrests respectively over the same period. Devon and Cornwall reported a more than five-fold increase, from six to 34 arrests. Conversely, West Yorkshire and North Yorkshire recorded decreases, with West Yorkshire dropping from 62 arrests in 2021 to 32 last year.

Among those arrested was a 14-year-old boy in 2024 who possessed 20 snap bags of ketamine, highlighting early adolescent involvement in the drug trade. The rise in arrests coincides with an expanded presence of ketamine on social media platforms such as Snapchat and Telegram, facilitating easier access to the drug, which can cost as little as £5 per gram.

Experts attribute the increased use to greater availability and affordability. Scott Ardley, a senior treatment advisor, noted that ketamine’s price point and discreet consumption—often snorted as a white powder leaving minimal visible evidence—make it a popular alternative to traditional recreational drugs. He also warned of a growing cycle where young users develop dependency, with some selling the drug to sustain their habits.

Ketamine, originally developed for medical use, is now widely produced both domestically and imported, largely from factories in India. Unlike cocaine, ketamine is a synthetic compound, making domestic production more feasible for organized crime groups.

The drug’s impact on health has been severe. In 2023, ketamine appeared on 37 death certificates in England and Wales. High-profile fatalities include that of actor Matthew Perry, who overdosed in Los Angeles in 2023 after taking ketamine in combination with other substances. His personal assistant was later imprisoned for distributing drugs that resulted in Perry’s death.

Families affected by ketamine-related deaths have expressed deep sorrow and concern. Wendy Teasdill, whose 18-year-old daughter Ellie Rowe died after taking ketamine at a music festival, described the escalation of ketamine use among youth as devastating and destructive. Similarly, the family of Gemma Weeks, who died aged 28 from ketamine toxicity and bladder damage, called for greater awareness, citing the drug’s widespread availability and dangers.

In response to rising deaths and hospitalizations, the Home Office has considered raising ketamine’s classification to Class A, which would impose harsher penalties, including the possibility of life sentences for dealers. However, in early 2026, the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs recommended keeping ketamine as a Class B drug, stating that reclassification alone would be unlikely to reduce misuse or prevalence.

This decision drew criticism from some officials, such as Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick, who argued that the current classification allows the public to underestimate ketamine’s risks. Sidwick called for immediate action and a government-led public awareness campaign to address the growing issue, lamenting the lack of one to date.

As ketamine use rises, concerns continue over health consequences, addiction, and involvement of increasingly younger individuals in both consumption and distribution, presenting a complex challenge for law enforcement, healthcare providers, and policymakers.