Introduction
This publication presents a consolidated EU‑level assessment of ketamine trafficking and related emerging risks, developed under Operational Action 1.5 of the 2024–2025 EMPACT Synthetic Drugs and New Psychoactive Substances action plan. Drawing on contributions from 32 countries, complemented by expert discussions and EUDA monitoring activities, the report provides an evidence‑based overview of ketamine’s availability, supply patterns, non‑medical use and associated security concerns across Europe. Prepared by the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA), and jointly edited by Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, the analysis responds to increasing indications that ketamine may represent an emerging drug‑related issue within the EU. By addressing persistent monitoring gaps linked to ketamine’s status as an essential medicine not subject to international control, the report strengthens situational awareness, supports the early detection of potential threats and informs future policy and operational responses.
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Table of contents
- Key findings
- Recommendations
- Background
- The legitimate ketamine market
- The illicit ketamine market: non-medical use in the EU and its associated risks
- Sources of ketamine on the illicit market
- Trafficking and distribution within the illicit market
- Legal status of ketamine and its policy challenges
- Conclusions
- References
