The dissociative anesthetic Ketamine should be placed on the controlled substance list in Fiji, says Drug-Free World Fiji founder Kalesi Volatabu.
While reacting to the discovery of vials of the medicine by police, Ms Volatabu said, “this was not a new drug”.
“You may say this is a new trend of opioids we are seeing in Fiji,” she said.
“This was first seized last year in July in Sigatoka.
“During that incident, there were 15 vials with a syringe.
“It was alarming when we first heard of this case.”
She said medications like Ketamine have a likelihood for physical and mental dependence.
“It is a dissociative drug, which means it causes people to feel separated or detached from their body or physical environment.
“Dissociatives are similar to psychedelics.
“They can cause hallucinations and other changes in thoughts, emotions, and consciousness.”
Ms Volatabu said the other pressing concern was the mixing of Ketamine with other drugs.
“It can have unpredictable effects and increase the risk of harm.
“Ketamine and alcohol cause nausea and vomiting at lower doses. It can lead to more serious effects at higher doses, such as passing out and vomit aspiration.”
She added this could have fatal results.
“Ketamine and Benzos, opioids, GHB cause nausea, vomiting, vomit aspiration, difficulty breathing, passing out, and possible death.
“Ketamine and ice, speed, cocaine increase blood pressure.
“Use of more than one drug or type of drug consumed at the same time is called polydrug use.”
