Border Force seized a record 1,298kg of ketamine in the first quarter of 2026, preventing almost 1.3 tonnes of the drug from entering the UK. This figure represents a 42% increase compared to the final three months of 2025, when approximately 915kg was intercepted.
The 1,298kg total is the highest quarterly amount recorded in 15 years, surpassing the previous record of 1,238kg seized in the second quarter of 2025. Border Force officers at Harwich International Port alone seized 300kg of ketamine over the past year, including 100kg in February and 200kg in May from drivers arriving from the Hook of Holland.
Home Office Minister Jo White commented that the record amount of ketamine seized reflects the dedication of Border Force officers in keeping dangerous drugs off the streets. She added that every seizure helps disrupt organised crime and protect communities.
The figures also show that officers seized over 59,000 doses of nitrous oxide in the first quarter of 2026, up from just over 35,000 doses in the previous quarter. More than 9,000kg of cocaine was intercepted during the same period, and herbal cannabis accounted for around 85% of all drug seizures by weight.
Separately, the Home Secretary secured a new agreement with Five Eyes partners – the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand – at the Five Country Ministerial in Sydney. This agreement aims to strengthen the international response to synthetic opioids, which are among the most dangerous drugs in circulation.