Ketamine

Also known as

• K, Special K, Vitamin K, Kit Kat.

Description

• Ketamine is an anaesthetic for veterinary as well as human use. The drug takes the form of a white crystalline powder, liquid or tablet. As a drug of abuse in Hong Kong, the United States and Australia, Ketamine has become common at dance parties or 'raves'.

• Ketamine produces a progression of effects on the abuser, from a state of dreamy intoxication to delirium accompanied by the inability to move, feel pain or remember what has occurred under the drug’s influence. The effects of Ketamine last an hour or less but the drug can affect the senses, judgement and co-ordination for 18 to 24 hours.

Effects and dangers

• Inability to move

• Distorted judgement, perception, hearing, sight, touch, smell and taste

• Confusion and hallucinations

• Problems associated with the nose (nose bleeding, inability to smell properly)

• Gastric pains

• Urinary and bladder problems (difficulty in urinating, urinary tract infection)

Withdrawal symptoms

• Depression, anger and irritability

• Fatigue (extreme tiredness)

• Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping)

Penalties

Possession of Ketamine:

• Up to a maximum of 10 years of imprisonment or a fine of $20,000 or both

Consumption of Ketamine:

At least 1 year of imprisonment, up to a maximum of 10 years of imprisonment with a maximum fine of $20,000 

Illegal traffic of Ketamine:

• At least 5 years of imprisonment and 5 strokes of the cane, up to a maximum of 20 years of imprisonment and 15 strokes of the cane

Illegal import or export of Ketamine:

• At least 5 years of imprisonment and 5 strokes of the cane, up to a maximum of 30 years of imprisonment and 15 strokes of the cane