U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers seized more than one gallon of liquid ketamine at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Wednesday, CBP officers referred a 29-year-old Colombia man for further inspection after arriving on a flight from Bogota.

Upon examination of his bags, numerous toiletry bottles were closely examined to better determine the contents.  CBP officers tested the liquids with a handheld elemental isotope analysis tool and identified the contents as ketamine hydrochloride, which is a drug used to induce loss of consciousness or anesthesia.

“Our most valuable asset is the skilled CBP officers on the frontline,” said, Priscilla Frink Atlanta Assistant Port Director. “CBP remains dedicated in stopping illegal drugs before they reach our communities.”

The seized ketamine totaled just over 56 ounces with a street value estimated $11,000. Atlanta CBP officers turned the individual over to Clayton County Police Department for state prosecution.

According to the DEA, ketamine is a Schedule III non-narcotic drug regulated under the Controlled Substances Act. Along with other club drugs, ketamine is popular among teens and young adults at dance clubs and raves. It delivers hallucinogenic effects and is sometimes used to facilitate sexual assault crimes. Ketamine, commonly known on the street as Special K, can induce a state of sedation, immobility, relief from pain, and amnesia as the user may have no memory of events while under the influence.

Criminal charges are merely allegations. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

CBP conducts operations at ports of entry throughout the United States, and regularly screens arriving international passengers and cargo for narcotics, weapons, and other restricted or prohibited products.

On a typical day, CBP seizes an average of 3,677 pounds of drugs. View CBP Snapshot to learn what else CBP achieved ‘On a Typical Day’.

Visit CBP’s Border Security webpage to learn how CBP conducts its border security mission.