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:
-
Pseudoephedrine and ephedrine are List I Chemicals
under Federal Law.
-
Pseudoephedrine and combination ephedrine drug
products are List I Chemicals, as defined by 21
U.S.C. 802.
-
Anyone who manufactures, imports, exports or
distributes a listed chemical is considered a "regulated
person" by definition of 21 U.S.C. 802.
-
"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
|