DRCNet Response to the
Drug Enforcement Administration

NOTICE

PSEUDOEPHEDRINE DRUG PRODUCTS

ARE BEING SEIZED AT CLANDESTINE

METHAMPHETAMINE LABORATORIES

DRCNet Response:  In this page, the DEA is campaigning for the control and tight regulation of pseudophedrine.  For all those who weren't aware, pseudophedrine is one of the most common ingredients in cold pills and is sold under the brand name Sudafed(R).  Now the DEA is saying that you may come under suspicion if you buy too many cold pills, or if you aren't careful who you sell them to. The DEA is out of control.

For additional references on this topic, go to the Druglibrary Search Engine and search for terms such as speed, amphetamine, stimulants.

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, and removed the ephedrine threshold, effective November 10, 1994, there has been a dramatic change in the choice of precursors used by clandestine laboratory operators. Criminals are now using bulk pseudoephedrine and pseudoephedrine drug products to clandestinely manufacture methamphetamine.

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

1. Pseudoephedrine is a List I Chemical under Federal law.
2. 
   
   
3. Pseudoephedrine drug products are List I Chemicals, as defined by 21 U.S.C. 802.
4. 
   
   
5. Anyone who manufactures, imports, exports or distributes a listed chemical is considered a "regulated person" by definition of 21 U.S.C. 802.
6. 
   
   
7. "Any person who possesses 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 10 years, or both." ....Title 21 U.S.C. 841 (d)(2).
8. 
   
   

The current exemption from certain recordkeeping and reporting requirements for pseudoephedrine drug products does not reduce the risk of criminal liability. Law enforcement authorities are asking for your voluntary cooperation to reduce this diversion.