Reclassify ketamine to Class A - Burnley vicar's message to the Home Office

Fr Alex Frost, of St Matthew’s Church, spoke to the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs about why he believes the government should recategorise ketamine from Class B to Class A.

The substance is a powerful horse tranquiliser that can result in dependence.

Chronic use can damage the nose, kidneys, bladder, and liver. In some cases, the damage has been so bad that young people in Burnley have ended up with urostomy bags, one recovery support worker told us. We've spoken to young men who rapidly developed addictions, leaving them in physical agony and costing them relationships and career opportunities.

Numerous families impacted by ketamine, including those with children as young as 12, have reached out to Fr Alex for support over the past year. The devastation felt across the town has resulted in a joint campaign with the Burnley Express, aimed at raising awareness of the dangers of the drug and bringing more support services to the area.

Fr Alex said: “I am delighted a conversation is taking place about the reclassification of ketamine, but would urge for the voices of teenagers and families affected by ketamine to have a seat at the table of any further discussions.

"I remain convinced that ketamine should be reclassified, as I have seen the devastating impact the drug has had on our youngest adults.

"I have had numerous accounts from parents across the country about the varying degrees of support available, ranging from OK to pretty much nothing.

"I have heard NHS professionals tell me about inadequate guidelines and treatments, and I still have grave concerns about the exploitation of vulnerable teenagers who end up in a circle of crime and addiction. I also remain convinced a national education programme for Year Six and above should be rolled out across the county and nation.”

Charity Ivison Trust has also told us how organised crime gangs are using the substance to groom children “from every background” in Burnley. One mum described how teenagers groomed her 12-year-old into dealing it by first hooking the child on the drug.

The Ivison Trust is urging the Government to provide more funding for training for front-line responders, including social workers and educators, to help them respond to child criminal exploitation effectively. The charity also calls for more mental health support for exploited children and their families.

It comes after researchers highlighted a “postcode lottery” in how police forces across the country respond to CCE, due in part to their level of resources. This can determine whether officers treat a young person as a victim or a perpetrator. The Trust adds that if children are not viewed with a safeguarding lens by services, they can be charged with drug-related offences or in some cases, when they reach 18, modern-day slavery, and they enter the criminal justice system.

For help and support around ketamine issues, search for Ketamine Education Services on Facebook.