Authorities in the Metropolitan Region have dismantled a criminal ring operating under the guise of a sneaker shop, resulting in the seizure of more than 240kg of ketamine.
The seizure, one of the largest recorded in the country, highlights the growing presence of the synthetic drug market within the nation.
Fernando Torres, Director of the School of Chemistry and Pharmacy at Andrés Bello University, noted that while ketamine is used as an anesthetic and veterinary drug, it is classified as a psychotropic substance in Chile under Law 20,000.
The substance acts as an NMDA receptor antagonist, producing dissociative, hallucinogenic, and sedative effects in users.
Public Health Risks
The specialist warned that recreational use is on the rise, particularly in nightlife settings, often through mixtures known as “tusi” or “pink cocaine.”
“It can cause nausea, vomiting, sedation, visual disturbances, and loss of coordination,” Torres explained. The toxicologist also warned that high doses pose risks of confusion, amnesia, and psychotic episodes.
Severe cases can lead to respiratory depression, cardiovascular issues, and even death.
Torres also raised concerns regarding the use of ketamine as a drug to incapacitate victims, due to its ability to induce loss of consciousness and amnesia, which can facilitate criminal acts.
Repeated use is linked to severe organ damage, including urinary tract issues and kidney damage. The academic emphasized that seizures of this scale confirm that organized crime is using legitimate business structures to distribute drugs on a large scale.
The increased availability of these substances on the illicit market is straining healthcare services due to a rise in acute poisonings among the youth population.
