DEA emergency schedules all illicit fentanyls in an effort to reduce overdose deaths

DEA has placed all illicit fentanyl analogues not already regulated by the Controlled Substances Act into Schedule I for 2 years. "DEA is committed to using all of its tools to aggressively fight and address the opioid crisis and growing fentanyl problem plaguing the United States," said DEA Acting Administrator Robert W. Patterson. "By proactively scheduling the whole class of illicit fentanyl substances simultaneously, federal agents and prosecutors can take swift and necessary action against those bringing this poison into our communities." As a result of this order, anyone who possesses, imports, distributes, or manufactures any illicit fentanyl analogue will be subject to criminal prosecution in the same manner as for fentanyl and other controlled substances.