Commissioner welcomes Government response on ketamine classification

Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner has welcomed confirmation that the Government is carefully considering the evidence, findings and views relating to the classification of ketamine, following his call for the drug to be reclassified as a Class A substance.

The response from Policing Minister Sarah Jones MP follows a letter from Commissioner Clive Grunshaw setting out his concerns about the growing prevalence of ketamine misuse, particularly among young people, and the devastating impact it is having on individuals, families and communities.

In her response, the Minister acknowledged the serious health harms associated with Ketamine use, including irreversible bladder damage, and recognised the important work being undertaken in Lancashire through Operation Shore, the county’s coordinated response to the supply and misuse of ketamine.

The Minister also confirmed that the Government is considering the findings of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs alongside a range of other evidence and views, including those put forward by Police and Crime Commissioners, before reaching a decision on ketamine’s classification.

Clive Grunshaw, Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire, said:

“I welcome the Minister’s response and the clear recognition from Government that ketamine is an extremely dangerous substance which is causing significant harm to people and communities across the country.

“We are seeing first-hand the impact ketamine is having on young people, on families and on public services. Through Operation Shore, Lancashire is taking a whole-system approach to tackling this issue, combining prevention, education, treatment and enforcement to address the problem from every angle.

“I am pleased that the Government is carefully considering the evidence and the concerns being raised by policing partners across the country as part of its decision-making process.

“My view remains that reclassifying ketamine as a Class A drug would send a powerful message about the seriousness of its use, provide stronger deterrents for those involved in supplying it, and better reflect the harm it causes.

“At the same time, it remains vital that those affected by ketamine misuse feel able to seek help and access the support they need. Enforcement must sit alongside prevention, education and treatment if we are to protect vulnerable people and prevent further harm.

“I will continue to work with Government, Lancashire Constabulary, health services, local authorities and community organisations to ensure that tackling ketamine misuse remains a priority and that we do everything possible to keep Lancashire’s communities safe.”

Operation Shore brings together partners from policing, health, local government and wider services to tackle ketamine misuse through prevention, intervention and enforcement activity, while ensuring those affected are able to access appropriate support and treatment.

The Commissioner has pledged to continue pressing for action that reflects the growing harms associated with ketamine use, while supporting efforts to disrupt the criminal networks responsible for supplying the drug and exploiting vulnerable people, and ensuring those who need help feel confident to come forward and access the support and treatment available to them.