Iceland's Largest Ketamine Seizure in History
Icelandic authorities intercepted the largest ketamine shipment in the nation's history, seizing 15 kilograms. Four suspects remain in custody following coordinated police operations targeting drug smuggling through Seyðisfjörður port. The case reveals Iceland's vulnerability to international drug trafficking networks.
Four people remain in custody after two major drug smuggling attempts through Seyðisfjörður last month. Authorities discovered 15 kilograms of ketamine in one shipment, marking Iceland's largest-ever ketamine seizure.
Police in the capital region coordinated the investigation with multiple agencies. They worked with East Iceland Police, Customs, Northeast Iceland Police, and a special national police unit.
Earlier in September, officers found seven kilograms of cocaine in a vehicle arriving by ferry. One person was immediately arrested in Seyðisfjörður and remains in custody. Another suspect was later detained in the capital area but released after questioning and a house search. That investigation has progressed substantially.
The second case emerged on September 19 when the ferry arrived. Police discovered 15 kilograms of ketamine and an additional 5 kilograms in a car. This represents the largest quantity of ketamine ever confiscated in Iceland. Three individuals were arrested—the driver and two others. All remain in custody.
All detained suspects are foreign nationals, though some reside in Iceland. The coordinated police response highlights Iceland's strategic position in international drug trafficking routes. Despite being a small island nation, its ports serve as transit points for organized crime networks.
Why does Iceland face such substantial drug smuggling attempts? The country's remote location and limited customs infrastructure create vulnerabilities that international criminal organizations seek to exploit.