There is particular concern over its use by young people, as users can quickly become addicted to the drug, which can cause physical and mental harm, and irreversible life-changing conditions.
The issues the drug is causing across Merseyside can only be tackled if organisations come together to create greater awareness. Education of both parents and young people is needed about the serious health impacts that can result from using this drug.
Crimestoppers working with football in Merseyside on the 4 Clubs, 1 Goal initiative on a recent ketamine campaign – see Crimestoppers & Merseyside football clubs launch ketamine campaign – saw a significant increase in reports, with over a quarter of those from St. Helens.
If you have information about those who are bringing the drug into Merseyside, how the drugs are transported, where they’re stored and about those who are dealing the drug in St Helens, or have information about any other crimes, you can tell us any time of the day or night, 100% anonymously – guaranteed. No police, no witness statements, no courts.
Find out more about Crimestoppers and ketamine:
Campaign launch
The campaign was launched at the he Totally Wicked rugby league stadium and was attended by Saints players Jonny Lomax, George Delaney, Phoebe Hook and Jodie Cunningham, the Deputy Police & Crime Commissioner Cllr Jeanine Bell, Crimestoppers Regional Manager Gary Murray and representatives from Merseyside Police’s St Helens neighbourhood policing team.
“It’s heartbreaking to hear of the number of young people in St Helens and across Merseyside whose lives are being destroyed by the abuse of ketamine.
“The public in St Helens have a key role to play in helping young people make safer decisions.
“We need people to speak up anonymously to Crimestoppers, either online or by phone on 0800 555 111, about those who are bringing the drug into Merseyside, how the drugs are transported, where they’re stored and about those who are dealing the drug in St Helens.”
Gary Murray, Crimestoppers’ North West Regional Manager
“Ketamine is far from a harmless drug. It carries serious physical and mental health risks, and we are seeing the impact it is having on young people here in St Helens.
“Tackling this rise in ketamine use is a key priority for the St Helens Combatting Drugs Partnership. I welcome the proactive work already underway with local organisations to raise awareness and respond to this growing concern, helping us prevent further harm.
“But this is an issue that requires all of us to stand together. Every resident has a role to play in protecting our community.
“Information is crucial. If you know who is supplying, dealing, or storing ketamine, please report it anonymously to Crimestoppers. Each piece of intelligence helps us disrupt those bringing drugs into our neighbourhoods and keep our young people safe. Together, we can make a real difference.”
Cllr Jeanie Bell, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Merseyside and Chair of the Combatting Drugs Partnership
“We’re pleased to support this campaign in partnership with Crimestoppers and the Saints Community Development Foundation. This campaign is about coming together to protect young people from the serious risks associated with ketamine use.
“Not only can ketamine cause severe health problems including bladder, kidney and liver damage that can be irreversible, but young people may also be at risk of being drawn into the world of County Lines drug dealing.
“When respected local organisations like the Saints work alongside police and community partners, we can make a real difference. We need everyone to play their part – whether that’s parents talking to their children, young people looking out for their friends, or residents reporting concerns anonymously to Crimestoppers.”
Inspector Stacey Pope of the Neighbourhood Policing Team at St Helens
