Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick, has welcomed an official review into the classification of the drug ketamine.
The Home Office has asked the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) to assess if the drug should be upgraded to Class A, bringing it in line with cocaine, heroin and ecstasy.
Illegal use of ketamine reached record levels in the year ending March 2023.
It can cause serious health problems, such as irreversible damage to the bladder and kidneys, and is one of the most detected drugs in incidents of spiking.
Mr Sidwick said: “I am really pleased this review will be taking place.
“For a long time, I have talked about the issue of illegal gateway drugs, mentioning ketamine as one of the drugs I am increasingly concerned about alongside cannabis, cocaine and MDMA.
“Given my background in the pharmaceutical industry, I know tDorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick, has welcomed an official review into the classification of the drug ketamine.his extremely dangerous substance was not intended in any way for chronic use.
“The recent rise in its usage is obviously of deep concern, and I am pleased the government is reacting to this.
“The damage ketamine can have on the body has been widely known for some time.
“That’s why I am pleased to see that the ACMD will also be asked to look at the long-lasting impact this drug has.
“It is vitally important that chronic conditions caused by use of illegal drugs are recognised and accounted for as part of the drug classification.
“I look forward to seeing the outcome of this review and hope it may provoke a wider discussion on the impact of other illegal gateway drugs on our young people and communities.”