Schedules of Controlled Substances: Temporary Placement of 10 Synthetic Cathinones into Schedule I. Final Order

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.