Overview
- The UN Office on Drugs and Crime’s 2026 World Drug Report finds Germany is one of Europe’s main transshipment points for illegal ketamine, second only to the Netherlands.
- The report links much of the ketamine reaching Europe to diversion from legal production channels in India before the drug enters illicit supply chains.
- UN data show rising ketamine use across Europe, growing demand for treatment services, and an increase in ketamine-related deaths recorded in Germany.
- The report highlights that ketamine is sold on social media and is cheaper than cocaine, which helps wider availability and encourages risky use patterns such as mixing drugs.
- Germany’s classification of ketamine under its medicines law rather than strict narcotics rules complicates controls and may limit enforcement options while health authorities call for more prevention and awareness.