U.S. CBP Seizes Nearly 7 Pounds of Ketamine Hidden in Ethernet Cable Spool

LOUISVILLE, KY — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Louisville intercepted nearly seven pounds of ketamine concealed inside a spool of ethernet cable that was bound for Belgium, authorities said.

The shipment, declared as “ethernet cable,” was flagged in late January when a CBP canine team conducted a routine sweep of the inspection area. A detection dog named Gandalf alerted officers to the package, prompting a secondary inspection.

Officers discovered three packages of a white, crystal-like substance hidden within the cable spool. Field testing confirmed the substance was ketamine, with an estimated street value of $50,000.

Ketamine is a Schedule III controlled substance used in human and veterinary medicine for sedation and pain relief and, in some cases, to treat mental health and substance use disorders. Authorities say the drug is also abused for its dissociative and hallucinogenic effects and has been used to incapacitate victims during sexual assaults. Abuse can cause nausea, irregular heart rate, muscle stiffening, loss of consciousness and, in severe cases, respiratory failure and death.

Louisville Port Director Phil Onken credited the work of officers and canine teams for preventing the drugs from reaching communities.

“The work of the brave men and women at the Port of Louisville and the hard work and dedication of our canine teams has prevented yet another shipment of dangerous drugs from reaching our communities,” Onken said.

CBP operates more than 1,500 canine teams nationwide, making it the largest and most diverse law enforcement canine program in the country. Canines are trained to detect narcotics, concealed humans, firearms, currency and other illicit materials, as well as assist with search and rescue and special response operations.

CBP officers with the Office of Field Operations oversee border security at ports of entry, where they screen travelers and cargo for illegal drugs, weapons, unreported currency, counterfeit goods and other prohibited items.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the nation’s largest law enforcement agency, employing more than 67,000 personnel who safeguard U.S. borders, facilitate lawful trade and travel, and protect national security.