A Cornish town is "awash with Ketamine", Truro Crown Court heard yesterday.
The comment by a crown court judge highlighted the scale of illegal drug use in Cornwall.
Ketamine is a fast-acting drug normally used to anaesthetise large animals such as horses.
Judge Christopher Harvey Clark QC made the observation during the sentencing of a drug dealer from Launceston.
Oskar Manijaki, 25, a university student from Launceston, sold drugs on the streets of Launceston to maintain his own habit, the court heard.
Manijaki had previously pleaded guilty to one count of possessing Ketamine with intent to supply and one count of possessing a drug known as NRG2 before being sentenced at Truro Crown Court.
Judge Harvey Clark told Manijaki: "It's crystal clear that you were supplying Ketamine to other young people in Launceston and the surrounding area in order to fund your own drug habit.
"You were hooked on Ketamine and it's disturbing to see that you have described the community of Launceston as being awash with Ketamine.
"You, in your wisdom, were contributing to that state of affairs and I hope you regret it."
Manijaki was arrested on February 26 following a brief chase through Launceston during which he discarded packages of ketamine and NRG2.
Prosecutor Phillip Lee, from the Crown Prosecution Service, told the court there was also information on Manijaki's computer and mobile telephone relating to drug sales and debts.
The court heard that Manijaki was studying for a degree in graphic design at Plymouth University.
Judge Harvey Clark told Manijaki he could have a bright future ahead and urged him not to "ruin his life".
Manijaki was given a suspended sentence of eight months imprisonment for possession of ketamine with intent to supply and a concurrent six months for possession of a class B drug known as NRG2 and was ordered to carry out a drug rehabilitation requirement.
