Editor's note: Images of seized drugs are available to download here. Video grabs with Commander Ellis are available to download here.
Australian Border Force (ABF) officers have started 2026 with a surge of ketamine detections, disrupting multiple attempts to smuggle approximately $75 million of the illicit substance into Australia.
Between 31 December 2025 and 31 January 2026, ABF officers across New South Wales and Victoria seized more than 438 kg of ketamine, with an estimated street value of approximately $75 million.
ABF officers from both the air cargo and international mail streams identified anomalies in dozens of consignments through their extensive detection capabilities – including x-ray technology, intelligence-led assessments, and officer-initiated inspections.
The quantity seized could have resulted in more than 8.5 million street‑level deals, preventing a significant quantity of the drug from reaching Australian communities.
The ABF and AFP have previously warned of an increased prevalence of this drug, seizing 882kg of ketamine in 2023. Detections in NSW and VIC during January 2026 have surpassed the total number of seizures recorded nationally in 2022.
Key operational activities in January 2026 include:
On Thursday 1 January 2026, ABF officers in Victoria stopped a consignment declared as small garden statues. The consignment was subject to x-ray and physical examination and found to contain three plaster holiday figurines concealing a white crystalline powder. Preliminary testing returned a positive result for ketamine hydrochloride, with an estimated weight of 4.5kg.
On Wednesday 14 January 2026, ABF officers in NSW identified two consignments from United Kingdom, with both packages declared as confectionary. Both consignments were subject to x‑ray examination, with anomalies detected. A subsequent physical examination revealed two boxes, each containing multiple plastic bags filled with white spherical objects. Preliminary testing returned a positive result for ketamine, with the total weight of the seized substance approximately 6.8kg.
On Thursday 15 January 2026, ABF officers in Victoria intercepted a consignment from Belgium, declared as toys. A subsequent examination revealed various toys, including a teddy bear with a white powdery substance concealed within. Preliminary testing returned a positive result for ketamine, with an estimated weight of 6.8kg.
On Tuesday 27 January 2026, ABF officers in NSW stopped a consignment from France, declared as aquarium gravel. The consignment, destined for VIC was subsequently x-rayed, revealing two vacuum sealed bags containing a white substance. Presumptive testing returned a positive reading for ketamine, with an estimated weight of 32 kg.
All detections have been referred to the Australian Federal Police (AFP) for further investigation and enquiries.
ABF Trade NSW Commander Kari Ellis said intercepting more than 438kg of ketamine in one month puts a significant dent in the supply chain for organised criminal syndicates.
“The scale and frequency of recent seizures highlight the ABF's ability to detect the diverse and increasingly sophisticated methods criminals use to smuggle drugs into our country," Commander Ellis said.
“Criminal syndicates diversify what commodity they are attempting to bring over the border; they don't care about the harm it causes to the community – they only care about profits.
“Ketamine is a dangerous sedative used illicitly as a 'party' drug. Its dissociative effects may lead to memory impairment, a sense of detachment from one's own body, and an inability to recognise dangerous situations.
“These detections demonstrate the strength of the ABF's domestic and international partnerships, leading to intelligence-driven intercepts and hundreds of kilos of illicit drugs being removed from circulation.
“Criminal networks should take note: Australia is not a safe gateway for drug trafficking. Our expertise and advanced detection systems make it clear – we will stop these drugs before they harm the Australian community."
Anyone with information about suspicious activity which may impact the security of Australia's borders is urged to report to Border Watch online. By reporting suspicious activities, you help protect Australia's border and the community.
Note to media
Media are encouraged to include help-seeking information in stories about illicit drugs to minimise any negative impact on people in the community. The following services provide people with access to support and information.
For information about drug and alcohol addiction treatment or support, go to the Turning Point website.
Media contact: media@abf.gov.au
