DEA Issues Final Order to Permanently Schedule Metonitazene as a Schedule I Controlled Substance
Introduction
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has issued a final order to permanently place metonitazene, a synthetic opioid, in schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). This action is in accordance with the United States' obligations under the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs (1961) and imposes the regulatory controls and sanctions applicable to schedule I controlled substances on persons who handle or propose to handle metonitazene.
Background on the Opioid Crisis
The opioid crisis has been a significant public health issue in the United States for several years. Synthetic opioids, in particular, have contributed to a significant number of overdose deaths. These substances are often more potent than natural opioids and carry a higher risk of overdose. The scheduling of metonitazene is part of a broader effort to combat the opioid crisis by regulating the substances that contribute to it.
Metonitazene and Its Effects
Metonitazene is a synthetic opioid with a pharmacological profile similar to other schedule I and II synthetic opioids that act as mu-opioid receptor agonists. It has a high risk of abuse and has negatively affected users and communities. The abuse of metonitazene has been associated with at least 51 fatalities in the United States between July 2020 and August 2021. The DEA is not aware of any claims or any medical or scientific literature suggesting that metonitazene has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States.
Process Leading to the Final Order
The DEA had temporarily placed metonitazene in schedule I of the CSA in April 2022, based on findings by the Administrator that the temporary scheduling was necessary to avoid an imminent hazard to the public safety. In November 2021, the Director-General of the World Health Organization recommended to the Secretary-General of the United Nations that metonitazene be placed in Schedule I of the Single Convention, as this substance has an opioid mechanism of action and similarity to drugs that are controlled in Schedule I of the Single Convention, and has dependence and abuse potential.
Implications for Law Enforcement
The final order to permanently schedule metonitazene as a schedule I controlled substance is effective from September 18, 2023. This action continues to impose the regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions applicable to schedule I controlled substances on persons who handle or propose to handle metonitazene. Law enforcement agencies and officers should be aware of this scheduling and its implications. It is crucial for law enforcement to be knowledgeable about the characteristics of metonitazene and the risks associated with its abuse. Strategies to address the distribution and abuse of metonitazene should be developed and implemented.
International Context
The Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs is an international treaty that aims to combat drug abuse by coordinated international action. The United States, as a signatory Member State, is obligated to control substances under its national drug control legislation if they are added to one of the schedules of the Convention. The scheduling of metonitazene by the DEA is in line with the United States' obligations under the Single Convention.
Conclusion
The permanent scheduling of metonitazene as a schedule I controlled substance is a significant step in the ongoing efforts to combat the opioid crisis. Law enforcement agencies and officers should be aware of this scheduling and its implications and should develop and implement strategies to address the distribution and abuse of metonitazene. Continued international cooperation and coordinated action are essential to address the global challenges posed by synthetic opioids and other controlled substances.