Federal Agents Seize $2 Million Worth of Ketamine at Atlanta Airport
ATLANTA, GEORGIA — Federal agents have seized over 160 pounds of ketamine hydrochloride at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, in what officials describe as a major international drug interception. The seizures took place over two days and have an estimated street value of about $2 million, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Two Separate Drug Busts Within 48 Hours
CBP officers said the seizures occurred on back-to-back days from two unrelated passengers arriving on flights from Paris, France. The first incident took place on October 11, when officers discovered five large plastic bags filled with a crystal-like substance hidden inside the luggage of Daijanae Mitchell, an American citizen.
The following day, officers intercepted seven more bags containing a similar substance in the luggage of Ryan Mamboula Bokomba, a British citizen. Both passengers were detained for further questioning as agents tested the suspicious material.
Using a handheld isotope analysis tool, CBP confirmed the substance as ketamine hydrochloride, a controlled dissociative anesthetic with limited medical use but a high potential for abuse.
Street Value Estimated at $2 Million
Authorities say the combined haul weighed more than 160 pounds, one of the largest single-week ketamine seizures recorded at the Atlanta airport. Based on current street prices, the drugs are worth roughly $2 million.
CBP officials said the quick detection and interception highlight the agency’s ongoing efforts to stop the smuggling of synthetic and psychotropic substances into the United States.
“This seizure demonstrates our officers’ vigilance in stopping dangerous drugs before they reach our communities,” said a CBP spokesperson. “Our officers are trained to spot even the most sophisticated concealment methods used by traffickers.”
Ketamine’s Legal Use and Abuse Potential
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), ketamine is legally approved for use in veterinary anesthesia and certain medical procedures due to its sedative and pain-relieving properties. However, it is often abused as a club drug for its hallucinogenic and dissociative effects, similar to PCP.
The drug can be snorted, smoked, or mixed into drinks, and large quantities are often smuggled into the U.S. through international air routes. CBP noted that ketamine is especially popular among younger users in nightlife settings, where it is sold in powdered or liquid form.
International Trafficking Route Under Investigation
Officials have not released details about whether Mitchell and Bokomba were connected, but both seizures involved passengers traveling from Paris to Atlanta, suggesting the same trafficking route may have been used by different couriers.
CBP said both passengers were referred for prosecution and investigation under federal drug trafficking laws. The investigation remains ongoing in coordination with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Federal authorities continue to warn travelers about severe penalties for attempting to bring narcotics or controlled substances into the United States. Stay updated with the latest law enforcement news and public safety alerts at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
