A 19-year-old Southern California resident is facing federal prison time after authorities said more than 70 pounds of ketamine were discovered in his luggage at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas.
According to federal prosecutors, Nehemia Bayonne pleaded guilty Monday to charges connected to importing and distributing the controlled substance after arriving on an international flight from London in September 2025.
The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada.
Arrest
Court documents state that Bayonne landed in Las Vegas on Sept. 29, 2025, and was directed to Customs for a baggage inspection after arriving from London.
During the inspection, Customs and Border Protection officers reportedly discovered 32 separate “bricks” of ketamine hidden inside two pieces of luggage.
Authorities said the total weight exceeded 70 pounds.
Federal investigators did not publicly explain how the luggage was flagged for additional screening.
Charges
Bayonne pleaded guilty to two federal offenses:
| Charge | Description |
|---|---|
| Importing a Controlled Substance | Bringing ketamine into the U.S. illegally |
| Possession With Intent to Distribute | Possessing drugs for potential distribution |
Federal prosecutors said the charges carry serious penalties under U.S. drug trafficking laws.
U.S. District Judge Cristina D. Silva scheduled sentencing for Aug. 24.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Bayonne could face:
- Up to 20 years in federal prison
- A term of supervised release
- Financial penalties and fines
- A mandatory special assessment
The final sentence will be determined by the court after reviewing federal sentencing guidelines and other factors related to the case.
Drug
Ketamine is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance in the United States. The Drug Enforcement Administration describes it as a dissociative anesthetic that can create hallucinations and distort a person’s perception of sight and sound.
The DEA also states that users may feel detached from reality or lose awareness of their surroundings while under its effects.
Originally developed for medical and veterinary use, ketamine has increasingly appeared in illegal drug trafficking cases due to its recreational use.
The drug is commonly referred to by the street name “Special K.”
Attention
Ketamine has received growing public attention in recent years because of several high-profile cases involving celebrities and public figures.
Authorities previously linked actor Matthew Perry’s death to ketamine, drawing renewed focus to the drug and its risks. Downtown Las Vegas developer and Zappos founder Tony Hsieh was also reported to have struggled with ketamine use before his death.
Medical professionals note that while ketamine has approved medical uses, misuse of the substance can lead to serious physical and psychological effects.
Investigation
Multiple federal agencies participated in the investigation, including:
| Agency | Role |
|---|---|
| Homeland Security Investigations | Lead investigative support |
| Customs and Border Protection | Airport screening and seizure |
| Federal Air Marshal Service | Aviation security assistance |
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brenna Bush is prosecuting the case on behalf of the federal government.
Authorities have not released additional details regarding whether investigators believe the drugs were intended for distribution in Nevada or elsewhere in the United States.
Trafficking
Drug trafficking investigations involving international airports often focus on identifying large-scale smuggling operations moving controlled substances across borders.
Airports such as Harry Reid International Airport routinely work with federal law enforcement agencies to inspect international passengers and baggage entering the country.
Federal authorities continue to warn that trafficking networks increasingly use commercial flights to transport illegal substances, including synthetic drugs and controlled pharmaceuticals.
Cases involving large quantities of drugs typically result in federal prosecution because of the potential distribution scale and interstate implications.
Sentencing
Bayonne remains awaiting sentencing later this year. During sentencing hearings, federal judges generally consider several factors, including the quantity of drugs involved, criminal history, cooperation with investigators, and the circumstances surrounding the offense.
Although prosecutors noted the statutory maximum penalty is 20 years, actual prison terms can vary depending on federal sentencing guidelines and agreements reached during plea proceedings.
For now, the case highlights ongoing concerns among federal agencies about international drug trafficking routes and the increasing movement of controlled substances through major airports in the United States.
FAQs
Who was arrested in the ketamine case?
19-year-old Nehemia Bayonne was arrested.
Where was the ketamine discovered?
At Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas.
How much ketamine was found?
Authorities found more than 70 pounds.
What charges did Bayonne plead guilty to?
Drug importation and distribution charges.
When is the sentencing scheduled?
The sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 24.
