• Combination Ephedrine and Pseudoephedrine Drug Products Are Being Seized at Clandestine Methamphetamine Laboratories
    
• Cessation of marketing of phenylpropanolamine that may result in recalling of products
    

• TO DISTRIBUTORS OF LIST I CHEMICALS: 
  Acceptable Documentation of DEA Registration Status
    

• TO MANUFACTURERS AND DISTRIBUTORS OF LIST I AND LIST II CHEMICALS: Theft of List I and II Chemicals on the Rise
   

• IODINE IS BEING USED TO MAKE METHAMPHETAMINE
   

• METHYL SULFONE (AKA MSM, DMS, DIMETHYL SULFONE OR DMSO2) IS BEING USED AS A CUTTING AGENT FOR METHAMPHETAMINE
   

• SUSPICIOUS PURCHASE INDICATORS FOR SALES OF ANHYDROUS AMMONIA
   

• Theft of Regulated Drug Products That Contain Ephedrine or Pseudoephedrine Are Increasing
   

• RED PHOSPHORUS, WHITE PHOSPHORUS AND HYPOPHOSPHOROUS ACID ARE BEING USED TO MAKE METHAMPHETAMINE
   

• SAFROLE AND SASSAFRAS OIL ARE BEING USED IN THE ILLICIT MANUFACTURE OF MDMA

The Food and Drug Administration has recently announced a cessation of marketing of phenylpropanolamine (PPA) that may result in recalling of products containing PPA. As you are aware, PPA is a List I chemical which is used in the illicit synthesis of amphetamine. This matter is of great concern to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) because the risk of diversion of these drug products during this potential recall period represents a significant threat to the public interest. Therefore, DEA urges all firms involved in this recall to observe the following:

Accurately document all returns and all destructions of these products.

Receipts and distributions are regulated transactions if they meet the threshold criteria. Records of such transactions must be maintained for two years,

Closely monitor returned inventories pending destruction. Firms may wish to consider maintaining the returned products in a segregated area and/or limiting employee access to only those necessary to process the returned products.

Insure that these PPA products are destroyed beyond reclamation for use in the illicit production of amphetamine.

If transferring the products to another firm for destruction, accurately document the transfer and confirm the legitimacy of the firm.

Observing the above procedures will help to limit the diversion of these PPA products to the illegal manufacture of amphetamine. Questions regarding this issue may be directed to the Liaison and Policy Section at (202) 307-7297.

TO DISTRIBUTORS OF LIST I CHEMICALS: 

Acceptable Documentation of DEA Registration Status

March 1999

It has come to our attention that some persons are circumventing the registration system and fraudulently obtaining List I chemicals. These persons are forging registration applications (DEA Form 510), back dating them to before the applicable exemption deadlines (11/13/95 for non-exempt all List I chemicals; 7/12/97 for combination ephedrine drug products; and 12/03/97 for pseudoephedrine and phenylpropanolamine drug products). Copies of these falsified 510's are then presented to suppliers in order to obtain List I chemicals. Suppliers know that persons who submitted applications prior to the applicable deadline can continue to conduct business until the applications are acted upon by DEA. Many suppliers have been accepting these 510 copies as indication that the presenting companies are in compliance with the statute and regulations. This practice does not represent valid compliance with verification requirements.

DEA is alerting suppliers that copies of DEA Form 510 are not acceptable identification for sales of List I chemicals. Suppliers should only accept a registration certificate or, for companies with pending applications that were submitted prior to the applicable deadlines, a letter from DEA showing the firm's DEA chemical application control number and a statement authorizing the firm to continue business until the registration application is approved by DEA. If a supplier receives documentation that is questionable, contact the nearest DEA Diversion Group by telephone. Such proposed transactions should be considered suspicious and reportable.

DEA provides quarterly registration status updates to the Department of Commerce for the National Technical Information Systems (NTIS). Any interested party can purchase this information directly from NTIS at 1-800-553-6847.

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TO MANUFACTURERS AND DISTRIBUTORS OF 
LIST I AND LIST II CHEMICALS:

Theft of List I and II Chemicals on the Rise

A large tablet manufacturer recently reported the theft of 4.8 million pseudoephedrine tablets. Not only did this loss cost the company thousands of dollars, it resulted in the diversion of product sufficient to produce four hundred pounds of methamphetamine.

Unfortunately, this problem has become increasingly common. Manufacturers and distributors of List I and II chemicals should be aware that theft of controlled chemicals is on the increase.

The Methamphetamine Control Act (MCA) has made it more difficult to obtain precursor chemicals through legitimate channels, and unsuspecting companies have found themselves the target of employee and outsider thefts of listed chemicals. The most common stolen chemicals are pseudoephedrine and ephedrine, but DEA has received reports of theft for most of the chemicals on the List I schedule.

You can help prevent this expensive problem before it begins. If you have not already done so, consider adopting policies to reduce risk, such as:

• random physical inventory checks,
• anti-theft security measures,
• and employee background investigations.

Working together, we can keep controlled chemicals out of the hands of criminals.

November 1998

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IODINE IS BEING USED TO MAKE METHAMPHETAMINE

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and numerous state/local law enforcement authorities throughout the United States have noted an alarming trend involving illicit methamphetamine production. Methamphetamine (AKA speed, crank or meth) is fast becoming a major drug problem in the United States. We are asking all businesses engaged in the sale of iodine products to be aware of the use of iodine by clandestine methamphetamine laboratory operators.

Criminal elements routinely use iodine in the illicit production of methamphetamine. DEA is aware that these criminals are searching for sources of supply for iodine. In some instances, distributors have reported the theft of iodine from chemical storage facilities.

This notice is being provided to:

• Make you aware that iodine became a federally regulated List II chemical on 10/3/96 under the Comprehensive Methamphetamine Control Act of 1996.
   
• Make you aware that iodine is being used to clandestinely produce methamphetamine.
   
• Encourage all distributors of iodine to know their customer before they unwittingly become a supplier to a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory, and report all suspicious activity to your closest law enforcement agency, and
   
• Advise all distributors of iodine that it is unlawful for any person to knowingly or intentionally manufacture, distribute, export, or import any equipment, chemical, product, or material which may be used to manufacture a controlled substance or listed chemical or knowing, intending, or having reasonable cause to believe that it will be used to manufacture a controlled substance or listed chemical in violation of the Controlled Substances Act... 21 U.S.C. § 843 (a)(7). Persons who violate 21 U.S.C. § 843 (a)(7) may be subject to criminal or civil penalties.

Law enforcement authorities are asking for your cooperation in this matter.

July 22, 1999

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METHYL SULFONE (AKA MSM, DMS, DIMETHYL SULFONE OR DMSO2) IS BEING USED AS A CUTTING AGENT FOR METHAMPHETAMINE

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and numerous state/local law enforcement authorities throughout the United States have noted an alarming trend involving illicit methamphetamine production. Methamphetamine (AKA speed, crank or meth) is a major drug problem in the United States. We are asking all businesses engaged in the sale of methyl sulfone products to be aware of the use of methyl sulfone by methamphetamine distributors. MSM is normally used as an animal feed supplement.

Criminal elements routinely use methyl sulfone as a cutting agent or diluent in the production of methamphetamine. DEA is aware that these criminals are searching for sources of supply for methyl sulfone. In some instances, distributors have reported the theft of methyl sulfone from chemical storage facilities.

This notice is being provided to:

1. Make you aware that methyl sulfone is being used as a cutting agent or diluent in the production of methamphetamine.
    
2. Encourage all distributors of methyl sulfone to know their customer before they unwittingly become a supplier to methamphetamine manufacturers or distributors, and to report all suspicious activity to your local DEA office or closest law enforcement agency.
    
3. Advise all distributors of methyl sulfone that it is unlawful for any person to knowingly or intentionally manufacture, distribute, export, or import any equipment, chemical, product, or material which may be used to manufacture a controlled substance or listed chemical knowing, intending, or having reasonable cause to believe that it will be used to manufacture a controlled substance or listed chemical in violation of the Controlled Substances Act — 21 U.S.C. § 843 (a)(7). Persons who violate 21 U.S.C. § 843 (a)(7) may be subject to criminal or civil penalties.

Law enforcement authorities are asking for your cooperation in this matter.

July 30, 1999

Efforts by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), numerous state/local law enforcement authorities and an industry anti-meth task force organized by the Agricultural Retailers Association and the Alliance of State-Agri Business Associations have been focused on raising the awareness of the theft of ANHYDROUS AMMONIA from retailer facilities and farms for the illicit production of methamphetamine. In response, several states have enacted laws against the theft of anhydrous ammonia.

As increasing levels of deterrents are put into effect, there may be increased attempts to purchase anhydrous ammonia directly from businesses engaged in the sale of agricultural supplies. The following is a list of key suspicious purchase information that should alert you to such a purchase - it is being provided to make you aware that anhydrous ammonia is being used to clandestinely produce methamphetamine.

• Customer cannot answer or is evasive about agricultural use questions
   
• Customer insists on taking possession rather than having it delivered
   
• Customer insists on using cash, money order or cashiers check
   
• Customer is a stranger and unfamiliar to area or your business
   
• Customer provides suspicious business or credit information
   
• Customer is vague or resists providing personal information

If a customer fits any of these criteria, wait until the person has left your business, write down an accurate description of the person(s), vehicle, license number, etc., and contact the DEA or local law enforcement authorities immediately.

Theft of Regulated Drug Products That Contain Ephedrine
or Pseudoephedrine Are Increasing 

Pseudoephedrine and ephedrine are highly coveted by drug traffickers who use these chemicals to manufacture methamphetamine for the illicit market. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is receiving reports of thefts and unexplained losses of large quantities of these substances from distributors.

To prevent thefts, DEA strongly suggests that List I chemical handlers follow these guidelines:

• Maintain a system to control your inventory and monitor for unexplained losses or disappearances.
   
• Prevent employee theft by requiring employee background checks and drug testing. In addition, DEA registrants must follow the guidance of U.S. Code of Federal Regulations 21 § 1309.72 in regard to employing persons with drug felony convictions and possibly limiting their access to List I chemicals.
   
• Improve physical security with anti-theft measures such as maintaining stock in a segregated area, limiting employee access to stock, and operating surveillance cameras.

In the event of theft, DEA reminds List I chemical handlers of the regulatory requirement:

• A regulated chemical handler must immediately report thefts and losses to the nearest DEA office and should also notify state/local law enforcement and regulatory agencies. A written report must be submitted to DEA within 15 days of discovery of the theft or loss. (CFR 21 § 1310.05)

To prevent recurring thefts, DEA recommends the following:

• List I chemical handlers should treat an individual theft or significant loss seriously and should monitor occurrences so that patterns do not remain undetected.
   
• When improving security after a theft, extend security improvements to all locations which store or distribute listed drug products.
   
• The repeated loss of small quantities of listed chemicals over a period of time may indicate a significant aggregate problem that must be reported to DEA, even though the individual quantity of each occurrence does not appear to be significant.

In an environment in which traffickers are aggressively seeking pseudoephedrine and ephedrine, List I chemical handlers should view unexplained losses as likely thefts. DEA registrants must provide effective controls and procedures to guard against theft and diversion of these List I chemicals. A chemical handler who experiences thefts and/or losses must take special action. Continuing to rely on a system that has been violated is not providing effective controls.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and numerous state/local law enforcement authorities throughout the United States, have noted an alarming trend involving illicit methamphetamine production. Methamphetamine (AKA speed, crank or meth) is a major drug problem in the United States. All businesses engaged in the sale of red phosphorus, white phosphorus and hypophosphorous acid products should be aware of the use of these products by clandestine methamphetamine laboratory operators.

Criminal elements routinely use these List I chemicals in the illicit production of methamphetamine. DEA is aware that these criminals are searching for sources of supply for these List I chemicals.

This notice is being provided to:

Make you aware that these products became federally regulated List I chemicals on 11/16/01 under the Comprehensive Methamphetamine Control Act of 1996 and records are required for all transactions.

Remind all distributors of these products that they must obtain identifying information on their customer and that they must know their customer to avoid unwittingly becoming a supplier to a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory, and report all suspicious orders to your closest law enforcement agency, and

Advise all distributors of these List I chemicals that it is unlawful for any person knowingly or intentionally to manufacture, distribute, export, or import any equipment, chemical, product, or material which may be used to manufacture a controlled substance or listed chemical, knowing, intending, or having reasonable cause to believe that it will be used to manufacture a controlled substance or listed chemical in violation of the Controlled Substance Act…21 U.S.C. 843(a)(7). Persons who violate 21 U.S.C. 843(a)(7) may be subject to criminal or civil penalties.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and state/local law enforcement authorities throughout the United States have noted an alarming trend involving illicit MDMA production. MDMA (Ecstasy) is a major drug problem in the United States. All businesses engaged in the sale of 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, should be aware of the use of these products by clandestine MDMA laboratory operators.

Criminal elements routinely use these List I chemicals in the illicit production of MDMA. DEA is aware that these criminals are searching, often over the Internet, for sources of supply for these List I chemicals.

This notice is being provided to:

1. Make you aware that safrole and essential oils rich in safrole, such as sassafras oil, and brown camphor oil or camphor oil 1.070, are List I chemicals;

2. Remind all distributors of these products that they must be registered with DEA, obtain identifying information from their customers, keep records, report suspicious orders to DEA, and "know their customer," to avoid unwittingly becoming a supplier to a clandestine MDMA laboratory;
    

3. Advise all distributors of these List I chemicals that it is unlawful for any person to possess or distribute a listed chemical knowing, or having reasonable cause to believe, that the listed chemical will be used to manufacture a controlled substance in violation of the Controlled Substances Act…21 U.S.C. 841(c)(2). Persons who violate 21 U.S.C. 841(c)(2) and/or the recordkeeping and reporting requirements are subject to criminal and/or civil penalties.