British Border Force officers have seized a record quantity of ketamine in the first quarter of 2026, marking the highest quarterly total in 15 years. According to the Home Office, authorities intercepted 1.3 tonnes of ketamine between January and March, highlighting a significant increase in the drug’s trafficking through UK ports.

In addition to the ketamine seizures, Border Force officials also confiscated more than 59,000 doses of nitrous oxide and approximately 9,000 kilograms of cocaine during the same period. These figures reflect ongoing efforts by law enforcement to disrupt the importation of illegal substances.

Harwich International Port in Essex was a notable hotspot for ketamine enforcement, with officers there seizing 300 kilograms of the drug over the past 12 months. The port’s strategic position as a gateway for goods entering the country makes it a key location for detecting illicit substances.

The rising volume of ketamine intercepted is part of wider concerns about the availability and distribution of synthetic and recreational drugs in the UK. Authorities continue to prioritize targeting supply chains and increasing surveillance to curb the influx of narcotics.

No details were provided on the origin of the shipments or suspects involved in the seizures. The Home Office emphasized that the ongoing interdiction efforts aim to reduce the impact of drug trafficking on communities and public health.