Ketamine rise among young people sparks raids
Cumbria PoliceA police force says it has seen a rise in the use of the drug ketamine in young people, with some becoming seriously ill.
Cumbria Police said those taking the Class B drug were suffering with bladder function problems and kidney issues.
Officers raided eight addresses in Carlisle, Kendal, Whitehaven and Penrith last week following the force's growing concerns around the drug, which is a powerful horse tranquiliser and anaesthetic.
Ketamine use and drug poisonings are the highest on record, with eight times more people seeking treatment since 2015 in England and Wales, according to the Department of Health.
Det Insp Dave Howard said while the force recognised ketamine use was a national issue, it had seen the problem locally.
"We're seeing a risk and a rise in young people becoming seriously ill with bladder function problems and kidney issues," he said.
Howard said the operation involved issuing warrants to disrupt the suppliers, alongside providing education in schools to almost 400 students.
Three people were arrested on suspicion of drug supply offences, two on suspicion of drug driving, one on suspicion of theft, money laundering and driving offences and another on suspicion of importation of controlled substances.
Officers seized ketamine, cocaine, cannabis, MDMA, suspected illicit pharmaceuticals, as well as cash, a TAG Heuer watch and an e-bike valued at £4,000.
The raids were funded by Cumbria's Police Fire and Crime Commissioner David Allen.
"We urge anyone who has information about ketamine dealing to share that with us so we can take swift and effective action," he said.
Labour MP for Carlisle Julie Minns, who joined the raid, said she had heard from residents about drug dealing problems.
"It's really, really important that those people and people in our communities feel safe, feel their communities aren't being blighted and affected by drugs," she added.
