On Monday, July 14, 2025, at approximately 11:00 am, the Buena Park Police received a call from a citizen who received a package containing a white, powdery substance.
The citizen took the package back outside and left it on the porch as a precaution, while waiting for the police officers.
As the officers were responding, the citizen called back and stated that a male subject had just taken the package from their porch, left in a vehicle, and provided a description of the vehicle.
One of the responding officers located the vehicle and conducted an investigative stop.
During the stop, 6.7 pounds of Ketamine was located along with some indicia for sales. The suspect was arrested for possession with the intent to sell.
What is Ketamine?
Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that has some hallucinogenic effects. Ketamine distorts the perception of sight and sound and makes the user feel disconnected and not in control. It is referred to as a “dissociative anesthetic hallucinogen” because it makes patients feel detached from their pain and environment.
Ketamine can induce a state of sedation (feeling calm and relaxed), immobility, relief from pain, and amnesia (no memory of events while under the influence of the drug) and is abused for the dissociative sensations and hallucinogenic effects. Ketamine has also been used to facilitate sexual assault.
How much is Ketamine worth in California?
Based on recent data from multiple sources, the street value of ketamine in California (including the Los Angeles and Orange County areas) in 2025 is approximately:
- $60 to $100 per gram 1
- $90 per gram, according to LAPD undercover operations 2
- $20 to $50 per gram, depending on purity and location 3
Estimating the Value of 6.7 Pounds:
- 6.7 pounds = 3,039 grams
- Using the average street price range:
- Low estimate: 3,039 grams × $60 = $182,340
- High estimate: 3,039 grams × $100 = $303,900
So, the total street value of 6.7 pounds of ketamine in California could range from $180,000 to over $300,000, depending on purity, form, and market conditions.
Penalties
Here’s a summary of the potential penalties the suspect could face in Buena Park, California, for possessing 6.7 pounds of ketamine:
Possession of 6.7 pounds of ketamine is a serious offense under both California and federal law.
Under California law:
- Possession of ketamine for sale or transport is a felony.
- Penalties may include:
- 2 to 4 years in state prison
- Fines up to $20,000
- Probation or parole restrictions
- Possible seizure of the vehicle used in the crime
Under federal law:
- Possession with intent to distribute a Schedule III drug like ketamine can lead to:
- Up to 10 years in federal prison (for a first offense)
- Harsher penalties for repeat offenders or if minors were involved
Additional factors:
- Taking the package from a crime scene could lead to extra charges like tampering with evidence or obstruction of justice.
- Prior criminal history could increase the sentence.