Full Breakdown
Major Ketamine Seizure and Charges in West Yorkshire
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On the evening of September 23, officers from the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit seized approximately 500 kg (1,102 lb) of ketamine at a property on Rose Avenue in the Upton area of Pontefract, West Yorkshire. The haul, valued at about £10 million, is believed to be the United Kingdom’s second-largest single seizure of the drug, behind a Merseyside find in 2025 valued at £17 million. Three men were arrested and later charged with Class B drug offences.
Key Figures Charged
- Curtis Binns, 32, of Sunny Avenue, Upton – charged with possession of a Class B drug with intent to supply and money-laundering.
- Paul Turner, 40, of Common Lane, Upton – charged with possession of a Class B drug with intent to supply.
- Christopher Willis or Christopher Wills (Telegraph & Argus), 42, of Wolverhampton – charged with supplying a Class B drug.
Data and Scale of the Seizure
- Quantity: 20 black bin bags containing roughly 500 kg of ketamine.
- Street value: Estimated at £10 million.
- Comparative size: The largest UK seizure to date was in Merseyside in 2025, valued at £17 million.
Official Police Statement
West Yorkshire Police released a statement confirming the arrests and describing the operation as a significant disruption to organised drug trafficking. The force highlighted the health risks associated with ketamine abuse, noting that misuse can cause permanent bladder damage requiring lifelong treatment.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Three men have been charged with drugs offences following the seizure of ketamine worth an estimated £10 million in a West Yorkshire village.” — West Yorkshire Police
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The two sources differ on the spelling of the third suspect’s surname: the BBC identifies him as Christopher Willis, while the Telegraph & Argus reports Christopher Wills. Both outlets agree on his age and charge (supplying a Class B drug). No further details about the alleged supply network or intended distribution channels have been released.
