U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Philadelphia have seized nearly 73 pounds of ketamine, a dangerous anesthetic drug, that was being shipped from Europe to South Florida. The recent seizures involved two shipments intercepted earlier this month.
On July 5, CBP officers discovered over 46 pounds of ketamine concealed in a shipment from France labeled as "industrial air filter HEPA air filter." Another shipment from Germany on July 9 contained approximately 26 pounds, 11 ounces of the substance, mislabeled as "Mercedes E class headlight right W2." Both shipments were intended for addresses in Broward County, Florida.
The officers used handheld elemental isotope analysis tools to identify the white crystalline substance as ketamine hydrochloride. The total amount seized weighed 72 pounds, 13 ounces and had an estimated street value of $1.8 million.
"Ketamine is a very dangerous anesthetic that can seriously harm abusers and unsuspecting victims," stated Cleatus P. Hunt, Jr., Area Port Director for CBP’s Area Port of Philadelphia. "CBP remains committed to combatting drug trafficking organizations by seizing their poisonous shipments at our nation’s ports of entry."
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), ketamine hydrochloride is a Schedule III non-narcotic compound regulated under the Controlled Substances Act. It is often abused for its dissociative effects and has been associated with raves and dance clubs.
CBP officers continue their efforts against drug trafficking organizations by intercepting illegal substances at various points of entry across the country. On average, they seize around 1,571 pounds of drugs daily at U.S. ports.
For more information about CBP's operations or to follow updates from the Baltimore Field Office on social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram, visit www.CBP.gov.
