107kg of ketamine found on the lower North Shore

A police raid in Artarmon has led to the seizure of 107kg of ketamine — a dissociative anaesthetic with hallucinogenic effects — and the arrest of two UK nationals. 

What happened: In late June, detectives from North Shore Police Area Command attended a unit on Hampden Road, following an investigation into alleged drug supply in the area. 

Police allege that at the unit, rented out for a short-term stay, they found 2kg of ketamine, scales and gloves. Three days later, a search warrant was executed at a North Sydney hotel, where two UK nationals — a 30-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman — were arrested and taken to Chatswood Police Station.

In the hotel room, police allegedly seized a number of mobile phones and more than $2,000 in cash. Detectives then searched a vehicle, which they allege was rented out by the 30-year-old man, in the hotel's carpark.

In the boot of that car, they allegedly found about 105kg of ketamine stuffed into shopping bags. 

• Ketamine is a general anaesthetic used by doctors and veterinarians, often as a tranquilliser for horses. It is also used as a recreational drug.

What now: The man and woman were charged with supply of a prohibited drug larger than or equal to large commercial quantity. They were refused bail and will appear at Downing Centre Local Court in late August.

Police will allege the man and woman travelled to Australia for the sole purpose of taking part in the distribution and supply of prohibited drugs.

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