A major drugs seizure in Merseyside has taken an estimated £17 million worth of ketamine off UK streets after police intercepted a van filled with the Class B drug.
The operation was carried out by the Merseyside Organised Crime Partnership (OCP), a joint task force between the National Crime Agency (NCA) and Merseyside Police, with assistance from the Matrix Disruption Team, which specialises in tackling high-risk organised crime across the region.
At around midday yesterday, officers stopped a van travelling along the East Lancashire Road. A search of the vehicle revealed 35 large sacks inside the cargo area. Each sack was filled with ketamine, with the total haul weighing approximately 875 kilograms. The estimated street value of the drugs stands at around £17 million.
A 46-year-old man from Liverpool, who was driving the van, was arrested at the scene. He was later taken into custody and is being questioned in relation to the seizure. Police have not yet confirmed whether additional arrests are expected but said further investigations into the drug network are ongoing.
Detective Chief Inspector Tony Roberts of Merseyside OCP hailed the seizure as a significant victory in the fight against organised crime.
“Merseyside OCP has made a significant seizure of a drug which is posing an increasing threat to UK communities,” Roberts said. “Our operation has ensured that this large quantity of ketamine will never make it on to UK streets and endanger drug users. Merseyside OCP is working relentlessly to identify and arrest organised criminals who are profiting from the destruction and violence caused by the drugs trade.”
Ketamine, while originally developed as an anaesthetic, has become increasingly popular as a recreational drug across the UK. Authorities warn that its misuse can lead to severe health consequences, including memory loss, bladder and kidney problems, and long-term psychological issues. Its growing availability has made it a serious concern for police and health officials alike.
The seizure comes amid heightened efforts by UK authorities to dismantle large-scale drug supply chains that fuel organised crime and violence in local communities. Merseyside has long been regarded as a key hub for organised crime groups, with police intensifying their crackdown on distribution networks moving drugs across the country.
The NCA and Merseyside Police said the successful interception of the van was the result of coordinated intelligence-gathering and surveillance efforts under Strike Force operations aimed at disrupting drug trafficking at every stage.
The 46-year-old suspect remains in custody, and police have confirmed that formal charges are expected once questioning is completed.
Authorities described the bust as one of the most significant ketamine seizures in the region in recent years, underscoring the scale of the criminal operations attempting to move drugs through Merseyside and beyond.
For now, the 875kg haul is being processed as evidence while investigations continue into the wider network responsible for attempting to distribute the drugs nationwide.
