Also known as
- K, Special K, Vitamin K, Kit Kat.
Description
- Ketamine is an anaesthetic for veterinary as well as human use. The drug takes the form of white crystalline powder, liquid or a tablet. As a drug of abuse in Hong Kong, the United States and Australia, Ketamine has become common at dance parties or 'raves'.
- Ketamine produces a progression of effects on the abuser, from a state of dreamy intoxication to delirium accompanied by the inability to move, feel pain or remember what has occurred under the drug’s influence. The effects of Ketamine last an hour or less but the drug can affect the senses, judgement and co-ordination for 18 to 24 hours.
Effects and Dangers
- Inability to move
- Distorted judgement, perception, hearing, sight, touch, smell and taste
- Confusion and hallucination
- Nose problem (bleeding nose, cannot smell properly)
- Gastric pain
- Urinary and bladder problem (difficulty in urinating, urinary tract infection)
Withdrawal Symptoms
- Depression, anger and irritability
- Fatigue (extreme tiredness)
- Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping)
Penalties
Possession or consumption of Ketamine:
- Up to 10 years of imprisonment or S$20,000 fine or BOTH
Illegal traffic of Ketamine:
- Up to 20 years of imprisonment and 15 strokes of the cane
Illegal import or export of Ketamine:
- Up to 30 years of imprisonment or imprisonment for life and 15 strokes of the cane