Chemical Program
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Safrole And Sassafras Oil Are Being Used
In The Illicit Manufacture Of MDMA
SAFROLE AND SASSAFRAS OIL
ARE BEING USED IN THE ILLICIT MANUFACTURE OF MDMA
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and state/local law
enforcement authorities throughout the United States have noted an
alarming trend involving illicit MDMA production. MDMA (Ecstasy) is a
major drug problem in the United States. All businesses engaged in the
sale of safrole and essential oils rich in safrole, such as, sassafras
oil, "brown" camphor oil or camphor oil 1.070, also referred to
as Chinese sassafras oil, should be aware of the use of these products by
clandestine MDMA laboratory operators.
Criminal elements routinely use these List I chemicals in the illicit
production of MDMA. DEA is aware that these criminals are searching, often
over the Internet, for sources of supply for these List I chemicals.
This notice is being provided to:
- Make you aware that safrole and essential oils rich in safrole, such
as sassafras oil, and brown camphor oil or camphor oil 1.070, are List
I chemicals;
- Remind all distributors of these products that they must be
registered with DEA, obtain identifying information from their
customers, keep records, report suspicious orders to DEA, and
"know their customer," to avoid unwittingly becoming a
supplier to a clandestine MDMA laboratory;
- Advise all distributors of these List I chemicals that it is
unlawful for any person to possess or distribute a listed chemical
knowing, or having reasonable cause to believe, that the listed
chemical will be used to manufacture a controlled substance in
violation of the Controlled Substances Act…21
U.S.C. 841(c)(2). Persons who violate 21 U.S.C. 841(c)(2) and/or
the recordkeeping and reporting requirements are subject to criminal
and/or civil penalties.
05/01/03
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