'Ketamine is not a trip, it’s a trap' - warn Lancashire Police in new countywide Op Shore crackdown
“Ketamine is not a trip, it’s a trap,” warn police...
Lancashire Police have launched a campaign against ketamine abuse in Preston today.
The force has partnered with independent charity Crimestoppers and a bereaved local mum to launch the county wide crackdown on the Class B drug.
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Over recent years it has become increasingly popular, with eight times more people seeking treatment since 2015 in England and Wales, according to the Department of Health.
Users risk severe health complications including bladder and kidney issues and in some cases, use can prove fatal.
Operation Shore has already seen some success in East Lancashire and now, with funding from Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw, it is being rolled out across Lancashire.
What is Op Shore?
It aims to prosecute those supplying ketamine, whilst also working alongside partner agencies to offer education and preventative support to children using or at risk of using the drug, as well as their families.
Activity will include work with schools, colleges and youth groups to raise awareness of the risks of the drug as well as robust police activity to disrupt and prosecute those supplying ketamine.
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A spokesperson for the force said: “This will help officers to stop the drug dealing and associated crimes at their source.
“Op Shore also aims to educate children, young people, parents/guardians, and education professionals about ketamine’s risks.”
Det Chief Supt Derry Crorken, who is spearheading Operation Shore, said: “Ketamine use is a national issue, but we are seeing more and more local cases here in Lancashire. Ketamine is not a trip, it’s a trap. It’s addictive and dangerous.
"Sadly, in Lancashire as elsewhere, there has been a rise in young people particularly becoming seriously ill with bladder function problems and kidney issues and in at least one local case, a man has sadly died.
“We’ve already arrested a number of people for supplying ketamine, but it’s crucial we identify others so that we can protect local youngsters and other vulnerable people.
“That is why we’re rolling out Op Shore across Lancashire and why, in partnership with Crimestoppers, I am appealing for the public to come forward with information about those supplying and dealing ketamine in our county
“In return, we will take firm action to target suspected offenders and protect our communities.”
Gary Murray from Crimestoppers said: “We know that people don’t always feel comfortable going directly to the police with information for whatever reason, but I would urge them to report to the independent charity Crimestoppers.
“People can give information to Crimestoppers anonymously via our website or by phone. Information leading to an arrest could lead to a reward of up to £1,000.”