Chemical Program > Advisories to the Public > Combination Ephedrine and Pseudoephedrine Drug Products Are Being Seized At Clandestine Methamphetamine Laboratories

Combination Ephedrine And Pseudoephedrine Drug Products Are Being Seized At Clandestine Methamphetamine Laboratories

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the California Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement (BNE) and other state/local law enforcement authorities throughout the United States have noted an alarming trend involving illicit methamphetamine production. Shortly after DEA placed domestic recordkeeping and reporting requirements on ephedrine tablets, effective April 16, 1994, there has been a dramatic change in the choice of precursors used by clandestine laboratory operators. Criminals are now using bulk ephedrine and pseudoephedrine and ephedrine and pseudoephedrine drug products to clandestinely manufacture methamphetamine.

This notification is being sent to all those who either manufacture, import, export or distribute combination ephedrine and/or pseudoephedrine products. All persons engaged in these activities should be aware of the following information:

1. Pseudoephedrine and ephedrine are List I Chemicals under Federal Law. 

2. Pseudoephedrine and combination ephedrine drug products are List I Chemicals, as defined by 21 U.S.C. 802. 

3. Anyone who manufactures, imports, exports or distributes a listed chemical is considered a "regulated person" by definition of 21 U.S.C. 802. 

4. "Any person who possess or distributes a listed chemical knowing, or having reasonable cause to believe that the listed chemical will be used to manufacture a controlled substance, except as authorized by this title, shall be fined in accordance with Title 18, or imprisoned not more than 20 years, or both." … Title 21 U.S.C. 841 (c) (2).

Records, reports and proof of identity for customers are required for all regulated transactions in combination ephedrine and pseudoephedrine products. Distributors of these products should familiarize themselves with Federal and State requirements. Law enforcement authorities are asking for your voluntary cooperation to reduce this diversion. Suspicious orders should be reported to your local DEA office immediately.

Revised 5/01/03