Narcotics Bureau acting chief superintendent John Ribeiro said arrests were the result of an investigation of a ketamine trafficking syndicate that started in December.

He said they believed suspects were about to distribute the drugs to retail- level traffickers but intercepted the supply in Sai Kung, where it was stored in Ho Chung New Village.

"The local ketamine supply will be affected for a long time," Ribeiro said.

A police spokesman added that the operation is continuing.

Ribeiro said police had seized 385 kg of ketamine between last January and November. In the whole of 2004, only 46kg was seized.

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A study released by the Action Committee Against Narcotics in November shows drug use decreased between 2000 and 2004. "In 2000, there were many big rave parties in Hong Kong, which made drugs easily available to teenagers," said committee chairman Choi Yuen-wan in the report. "We believe the decreasing percentage [of drug use] is attributable to the efforts of the police."

Ketamine - also called "K" or "Special K" - is a party drug often used in clubs and at parties.

Police believe that a portion of the seizure was for distribution in local entertainment venues.

"According to abuse records, statistics indicate that ketamine is still the drug of choice for people under 21," Ribeiro said. While the trend for ketamine use is declining, cocaine is becoming more popular.

Ribeiro said he expects a 100 percent increase in cocaine-related arrests when figures become available for 2004/05. But he added: "Cocaine abuse in 2005 only accounted for four percent of drug users."