Advisories to the Public
SAFROLE AND SASSAFRAS OIL
ARE USED IN THE ILLICIT MANUFACTURE OF MDMA
The Drug Enforcement Administration is issuing this notice to inform businesses handling safrole and essential oils rich in safrole, such as, sassafras oil, “brown” camphor oil or camphor oil 1.070, also referred to as Chinese sassafras oil, that they are sometimes used in the manufacture of MDMA. MDMA is also known as ecstasy, and is often spelled as XTC. MDMA is a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law.
Facts about safrole and essential oils rich in safrole:
- Safrole and essential oils rich in safrole (both will be referred to as “safrole”) are List I chemicals under federal law.
- Criminals are always searching for sources of safrole.
- Handliers of these chemical products need to know their customers so as not to become an unwitting supplier to a clandestine MDMA 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 transactions of safrole, or any other activity outside the normal scope of business possibly indicating the safrole product will be used to make MDMA, or violate other DEA laws.
- It is unlawful for any person knowingly or intentionally to possess or distribute safrole, knowing, or having reasonable cause to believe, the safrole will be used to manufacture MDMA.
Records, reports and proof of identity for safrole customers are required for all regulated transactions, which includes all safrole receipts or distributions.
The Drug Enforcement Administration thanks you for your cooperation.
Revised 1/07/09 |
