DRCNet Response to the
Drug Enforcement Administration

NOTICE

PHENYLPROPANOLAMINE DRUG PRODUCTS

ARE BEING SEIZED AT CLANDESTINE

AMPHETAMINE LABORATORIES

DRCNet Response: Just so you understand what is going on here -- the DEA is trying to clamp down on sales of ordinary cold pills.

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 amphetamine production. In March 1995 DEA sent a similar notice regarding pseudoephedrine diversion. Subsequent to that notice a number of domestic and international enforcement actions reduced the availability of pseudoephedrine. In response to that shortage of illicit precursors, traffickers are using phenylpropanolamine (PPA) to clandestinely manufacture amphetamine. This notification is being sent to all those who either manufacture, import, export or distribute PPA. All persons engaged in these activities should be aware of the following information:

1. PPA is a List I Chemical under Federal law.
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3. Phenylpropanolamine drug products are List I Chemicals, as defined by 21 U.S.C. 802.
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5. Anyone who manufactures, imports, exports or distributes a listed chemical is considered a "regulated person" by definition of 21 U.S.C. 802.
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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).
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The current exemption from certain recordkeeping and reporting requirements for phenylpropanolamine drug products does not reduce the risk of criminal liability. Law enforcement authorities are asking for your voluntary cooperation to reduce this diversion. Report all suspicious orders to your nearest DEA office immediately.