Schedules of Controlled Substances: Temporary Placement of 10 Synthetic Cathinones Into Schedule I

The Deputy Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is issuing this final order to temporarily schedule 10 synthetic cathinones into schedule I pursuant to the temporary scheduling provisions of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). The 10 substances are: 4-methyl-N-ethylcathinone ("4-MEC"); 4-methyl- alpha-pyrrolidinopropiophenone ("4-MePPP"); alpha- pyrrolidinopentiophenone ("[alpha]-PVP"); 1-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-2- (methylamino)butan-1-one ("butylone"); 2-(methylamino)-1- phenylpentan-1-one ("pentedrone"); 1-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-2- (methylamino)pentan-1-one ("pentylone"); 4-fluoro-N-methylcathinone ("4-FMC"); 3-fluoro-N-methylcathinone ("3-FMC"); 1-(naphthalen-2- yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)pentan-1-one ("naphyrone"); and alpha- pyrrolidinobutiophenone ("[alpha]-PBP"). This action is based on a finding by the Deputy Administrator that the placement of these synthetic cathinones and their optical, positional, and geometric isomers, salts and salts of isomers into schedule I of the CSA is necessary to avoid an imminent hazard to the public safety. As a result of this order, the regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions applicable to schedule I controlled substances will be imposed on persons who handle (manufacture, distribute, import, export, engage in research, conduct instructional activities, and possess), or propose to handle these synthetic cathinones.