What is a common method of purchasing illicit ketamine?

Purchasing illicit ketamine from veterinary offices is a common method because ketamine is primarily used as an anesthetic in animals. This makes veterinary practices a source where individuals may obtain the drug without a prescription. Some may exploit the legitimate need for ketamine in veterinary medicine to acquire it for non-medical use, given its popularity as a recreational drug due to its dissociative effects.

Veterinary offices are often less regulated than human pharmacies regarding the prescription and dispensation of medications, which can lead to easier access. While other methods of obtaining illicit ketamine exist, such as from street vendors or online sources, the veterinary route is particularly notable due to the nature of how ketamine is used in veterinary settings compared to medical facilities intended for human healthcare. This context helps illustrate why this specific sourcing route is significant in discussions around illicit drug acquisition practices.