Veterinarian self-administers animal anesthetic 92 times ... treats pets while under the influence

[Financial News] A veterinarian was caught repeatedly self-administering ketamine, an anesthetic used to treat animals. At least 92 instances of self-administration were confirmed over three months, and evidence also emerged that the veterinarian treated pets while under the influence of controlled drugs.

On the 11th, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety said it had referred Veterinarian A to the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office on suspicion of violating the Narcotics Control Act. A, who operated an animal hospital in the Seoul metropolitan area, allegedly diverted ketamine purchased for treating animals and repeatedly self-administered it, while omitting or falsifying records on the handling of medical controlled substances.
The case came to light after an investigation was launched based on a public-interest report filed with the MFDS Special Monitoring Team for Medical Narcotics in August this year.
Investigators found that A bought large quantities of the psychotropic drug ketamine, which is used to induce general anesthesia and relieve pain, but did not use it to treat animals. Instead, he administered it himself in places including the hospital’s examination rooms and dispensary.
When MFDS officials opened the door to the animal hospital’s staff lounge and began a search and seizure, empty ketamine vials and syringes were strewn across the cot where A had been lying.
Closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage inside the hospital also captured A self-administering the drug. Investigators found that he treated animals while under its influence, and confirmed that he had also taken it in the staff lounge on the day of the search.
From July, over a three-month period, investigators confirmed 92 instances of A self-administering ketamine. He illegally took as much as 254 mL, at times using it up to six times a day. With each vial containing 10 mL, that amounts to more than 25 vials.
Ketamine is a dissociative general anesthetic used to induce and maintain general anesthesia and relieve pain. It is classified as a psychotropic controlled substance. Because it can cause hallucinations and dissociative symptoms, it is also known as a “club drug,” and concerns have been raised about its misuse and abuse.

A was also found to have manipulated records on the handling of controlled substances. He deliberately omitted reports on fentanyl patches, ketamine, butorphanol, phenobarbital and phentermine handled at the animal hospital from November last year through July this year. Investigators found that he falsely recorded the ketamine he had taken himself as if it had been used on animals.
Medical institutions, including animal hospitals, must store medical controlled substances purchased for treatment in locked double safes or other secure storage, and keep records of their purchase and use. They are also required to report handling records through the Narcotics Information Management System within the prescribed period.
The search also revealed lax management of controlled substances inside the hospital. Investigators found 76 empty ketamine vials and around 100 one-milliliter insulin syringes in areas including the dispensary, operating room and examination rooms. The hospital had also received complaints about poor hygiene.
Investigators also found evidence that A had treated pets while under the influence of ketamine. Concerns about the safety of animal patients are growing as questions arise over the possibility that a veterinarian, whose job is to treat animals, repeatedly took controlled substances and even treated them while under their influence.
The MFDS, with guidance and advice from a prosecutor at the Office of Prosecution, notified the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency of information about the illegal handling of controlled substances uncovered during the investigation. It also conveyed details of the narcotics-related offense to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs in connection with A’s veterinary license.
The MFDS plans to analyze records of the use and administration of controlled substances at animal hospitals that handle large quantities of drugs such as ketamine. It will also conduct intensive targeted inspections through the end of the year, together with local governments, at institutions suspected of improper handling.
[email protected] An Gaeul Reporter