SYDNEY, March 3 (Xinhua) -- The Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Border Force issued a joint statement on Sunday, warning of an alarming surge in ketamine imports into the country.

According to the latest figures released by authorities, a total of 882 kg of ketamine were seized in 2023, more than double the previous year's amount of 415 kg.

Police also identified that transnational crime syndicates are using more sophisticated means to hide the illicit drug in a bid to evade law enforcement.

The combined haul included 84 kg of ketamine found in July 2023 inside two new commercial vans on board a cargo ship destined for Sydney. In the same month, the federal police detected another 145 kg in the state of Victoria, which was the largest ketamine seizure in Australia.

Ketamine is a dangerous sedative that can lead to disorientation, memory loss, depression, seizures, and even death.

"Its dissociative effects block sensory brain signals and can cause memory loss, feelings of being detached from one's body and prevent their ability to perceive danger," AFP Acting Commander Kristy Scott said.

The 2022-2023 National Drug Strategy Household Survey indicated that 1.4 percent of the Australian population, or around 300,000 individuals, had used ketamine over 12 months, registering a substantial increase from 0.3 percent in 2004.

Besides, the most recent report of Australia's National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program also found that in April 2023, the consumption of ketamine hit a record high in both capital city and regional sites.

"Drug addiction has a profound impact on individuals and the wider community," Scott said.

"We're reminding criminals that we are not only seizing the drugs but arresting alleged offenders who are connected to the imports. We will continue to work to target your illicit operations, identify you, and bring you to justice," the acting commander added. Enditem

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