Advisories to the Public
Combination Ephedrine And Pseudoephedrine Drug Products
Are Used In Illicit Methamphetamine Manufacture
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is issuing this notice to inform businesses handling bulk ephedrine (EPH) and/or pseudoephedrine (PSE), and/or drug products containing these substances, that these chemicals are used in the illicit manufacture of methamphetamine. Methamphetamine abuse is a major drug problem in the United States.
Facts about the above named chemicals and regulated drug products:
- EPH and PSE are List I chemicals under federal law, whether in bulk, single entity or combination dosage forms.
- Importation and dosage form manufacture of EPH and PSE are subject to quotas. Retail level distributors are subject to the mandatory requirements of obtaining a self-certification from DEA, maintaining a sales log book of purchases, and adhering to sales transactions limits.
- Criminals are always searching for sources of PSE and/or EPH.
- Handlers of EPH and PSE need to know their customers so as not to become an unwitting supplier to a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory.
- Handlers must immediately report all suspicious activity to their local DEA office, and follow up in writing within 15 days. Suspicious activity includes extraordinary or unusual transactions of PSE or EPH, or any other activity outside the normal scope of business possibly indicating these chemicals/drug products will be used to make methamphetamine, or violate other DEA laws.
- It is unlawful for any person knowingly or intentionally to possess or distribute PSE or EPH, knowing, or having reasonable cause to believe, the PSE or EPH will be used to manufacture methamphetamine.
Records, reports and proof of identity for PSE or EPH customers are required for all regulated transactions, which include all PSE or EPH receipts or distributions.
The Drug Enforcement Administration thanks you for your cooperation in this matter.
Revised 1/07/09 |
