In a stunning turn of events, Marcus Jordan, the 34-year-old son of NBA legend Michael Jordan, found himself in the middle of a major scandal after his February 4th DUI arrest. While initial reports suggested that the white substance cops found in his possession was cocaine, further testing has revealed that it was actually ketamine, a powerful anesthetic with a growing presence in recreational drug circles.
The Arrest and Initial Confusion
During a routine traffic stop on February 4th, Florida police pulled over Jordan, who was subsequently arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) with property damage. The arrest was dramatic, capturing attention nationwide, especially considering Jordan’s famous lineage. But things took an unexpected turn when officers discovered a white powdery substance in his pocket.
A field test conducted on the powder initially gave a positive reading for cocaine, further escalating the situation. However, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement later carried out more detailed testing, which ultimately confirmed that the substance was not cocaine but ketamine.
The confusion arose due to the strikingly similar appearance of both substances. Ketamine and cocaine share similar color and texture, which is why a field test for cocaine can sometimes yield a false positive when the substance is actually ketamine. Experts explain that this isn’t an uncommon occurrence, especially with substances like ketamine, which have increasingly been used recreationally and are often found in powder form.
What Is Ketamine?
Ketamine, originally developed as a veterinary anesthetic, has become notorious in some circles for its use as a party drug. It’s known for its dissociative effects, often leading to feelings of detachment from one’s body and surroundings. Ketamine has been categorized as a Schedule III drug in Florida, meaning it is considered to have less potential for abuse than cocaine, which is classified as a Schedule II drug.
This classification shift could work in Jordan’s favor, as ketamine is typically subject to less severe penalties compared to cocaine. However, the change in substance does not eliminate the seriousness of the charges against him.
Updated Charges: Possession of Ketamine and DUI
Following the clarification of the drug’s identity, the charges against Marcus Jordan were adjusted. He is now facing charges for possession of ketamine, DUI with property damage, and resisting arrest. While the drug charge was amended, the other aspects of the case remain the same.
Legal experts suggest that while ketamine is still a controlled substance, its Schedule III status could result in a more lenient sentence compared to the original cocaine-related charges. Nonetheless, Jordan’s legal team has entered a not guilty plea in the case, signaling they will fight the charges in court.
