Ketamine Crisis: Online Drug Networks Target Children as Young as 10
In a dimly lit room in Manchester, a social media investigator demonstrates the alarming ease of purchasing ketamine online. This officer, part of Greater Manchester Police's specially trained unit, infiltrates platforms like Snapchat, Telegram, and WhatsApp, where criminals operate with business-like efficiency to sell drugs. "It's effectively run like a legitimate business, similar to how Amazon sells items," he explains, highlighting the cat-and-mouse game driven by record-high usage of this Class B drug.
Police Adapt to Unique Challenges
Detective Superintendent Joseph Harrop, leading GMP's serious organised crime division, notes that ketamine presents unique challenges due to its availability and low cost. "It's readily available and really cheap, which makes it attractive to children and young people," he says. "We've seen children as young as 10 either using or involved in supplying ketamine." GMP seized 50kg of ketamine in a recent financial year, with seizures increasing exponentially in 2025 as officers prioritized the substance.
Online Menus and Faceless Transactions
The social media investigator spends time tracing online stores set up by drug dealers on social media. These criminals curate menus, request reviews, and offer perks such as free sweets with drug deliveries. Ketamine is often sold alongside other party drugs like cocaine and MDMA, with transactions conducted via cryptocurrency for anonymity. Drugs are typically delivered by post rather than courier. When accounts are flagged, some tech companies act within 24 hours to remove them, while others may ignore the risks.
Dawn Raids and Enforcement Efforts
During a nationwide county lines week of action, Sky News joined GMP officers on a dawn raid in Salford targeting a drug supply line involving ketamine, cannabis, cocaine, and MDMA. Two arrests were made, with the officer in charge noting that party drugs are a growing issue in areas popular with young professionals and students. "Ketamine is well-used by students, so the younger target market here is rife," he stated.
Harm Reduction and Public Health Warnings
GMP collaborates with Manchester Drug Analysis and Knowledge Exchange (Mandrake), a publicly-funded testing facility, to focus on harm reduction. Samples seized in raids are tested to identify contaminants, such as medetomidine, a high-strength sedative found in ketamine. Dr. Oliver Sutcliffe, leading Mandrake, explains that contaminated ketamine can cause synergistic sedation effects, increasing accident risks. "You can't arrest your way out of people using drugs," DSI Harrop emphasizes, highlighting the shift toward public health strategies.
This investigation underscores the evolving tactics of law enforcement as they confront the ketamine crisis, with online networks posing significant threats to youth safety.
