Customs officers seize 22 pounds of ketamine disguised as children’s toys at DFW Airport

Nicole Lopez
·1 min read

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized 10 kilograms — about 22 pounds — of ketamine disguised as toys at the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, CBP announced in a news release Thursday.

Officers examined two shipments arriving through the DFW Airport destined for Miami, Florida, and coming from London, according to the release. The examination revealed multiple packages of a crystalized white substance and tests were positive for ketamine — a dissociative anesthetic that has hallucinogenic effects and is often used to facilitate sexual assault, the release says.

The drugs seized were in cargo identified as children’s board games.

“Global criminal networks utilize a wide array of tactics to smuggle dangerous and deadly drugs into the United States, but our CBP officers are highly trained in detecting and stopping these schemes,” said Dallas Area Port Director Jayson Ahern. “Our drug interdiction efforts are vital to protecting American communities from the scourge of dangerous and deadly drugs.”

Ten kilograms — 22 pounds — seized by officers at the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport Thursday were disguised as children’s toys, CBP officials say.
Ten kilograms — 22 pounds — seized by officers at the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport Thursday were disguised as children’s toys, CBP officials say.

Ketamine can induce a state of sedation, immobility, pain relief and amnesia, and is abused for its dissociative sensations, the release says. Abuse of the drug can lead to agitation, depression, cognitive difficulties, unconsciousness and amnesia. Overdose can also lead to unconsciousness and dangerously slow breathing, according to the release.

Officers seize an average of 2,895 pounds of drugs on a daily basis at and between ports of entry into the U.S., according to CBP.

Travelers can visit the CBP website to learn more about prohibited and restricted items.