Police cooperation: European system of laboratories for analyses of synthetic drugs. Initiative Sweden

In a general statement which makes a point highlighting the progress made on the subject of the knowledge of the effects of Ketamine and its dangers, the Council encourages EMCDDA and Europol to continue monitoring, in the framework of their respective work programmes and in cooperation with the Member States, the manufacture, trafficking, patterns of use and health consequences of ketamine, particularly the trends in recreational use. It suggests that possible improvements in the control of diversion be discussed with the chemical and pharmaceutical industry, bearing in mind the importance of ensuring the continued availability of ketamine for medical and veterinary use. It also encourages Member States to present proposals for research on the effects of ketamine use to be considered under the Fifth Framework Program for Research and Development. Lastly, the Council invites the Commission to take into account the outcome of the risk assessment of ketamine in the evaluation of the effectiveness of the Joint Action called for in the EU Action Plan on Drugs 2000-2004.�