Ketamine could be upgraded to Class B

Government advisors have recommended the drug ketamine should be upgraded to a Class B drug.

Currently a Class C drug, the new classification could see illegal possession of ketamine carry a five year prison sentence.

The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs is expected to pass the advice to the Government following new evidence on the long term affects of the drug.

The new evidence from the Advisory Council showed that the prolonged use of the drug causes severe damage to the bladder which may have to be removed by surgery in the most serious cases.

The Advisory Council wrote to Secretary of State for Health, Jeremy Hunt and Home Sectary, Theresa May with advice on a re-classification.

Ketamine is used legally as an anaesthetic in operations on both humans and animals.

Ketamine is dose-specific, so the amount taken determines the level of effect however it has emerged that a number of users a taking very large quantities of the drug every day.

Beyond the bladder damage there is some evidence that this may cause psychological harm such as memory loss or depression in dependent users.

The Crime Survey for England and Wales shows that ketamine misuse is most common in males, in the 20-24 year age group and also that ketamine is often taken alongside other drugs such as amphetamine and ecstasy.

Other studies show that drug is commonly used in nightclubs although there is reportedly a very varied level of social acceptability across various musical cultures and social “scenes”.

There is also evidence, however of a significant decrease in users of the drug in the recent past.

Home Office figures estimate that about 120,000 people aged 16-59 in England and Wales took ketamine, in the last year.

If the advice is taken  a re-classification from Class C to Class B means those found in possession of the drug would face up to five years in prison, rather than two.

It would also mean ketamine dealers would face a 14 year prison sentence or a unlimited fine if caught with larger quantities of the drug.

The Council is also expected to recommend that ministers consider tighter controls on the way the drug is stored by pharmacies and hospitals.