PSM Statement on the passage of S.3201, which extends the DEA’s temporary scheduling of fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I for 15 months.

The Partnership for Safe Medicines (PSM) stands with our law enforcement partners in commending the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives for their swift passage of S.3201, which would extend the DEA’s temporary scheduling of fentanyl-related substances to be Schedule I controlled substances for an additional 15 months. Without this reauthorization, criminals could go back to creating a fentanyl analog and selling them across the country without punishment. Counterfeit drugs are already a significant issue throughout the United States. The DEA has been reporting an increase in fentanyl-laced counterfeits, especially opioids, over the past several years. The number of fentanyl-related overdose deaths have been steadily increasing. PSM was concerned that without this reauthorization, counterfeiters and criminals would have been one step ahead of law enforcement and seize upon this loophole to inundate the country with dangerous fentanyl and fentanyl-laced products and foist them on an unsuspecting public.

Our law enforcement partners are in agreement that S.3201 is needed to ensure that all fentanyl analogs are banned. Law enforcement must be able to stay ahead of illicit manufacturers as they are on the frontlines of protecting their communities. As such, PSM applauds the U.S. Congress for their swift passage of S.3201 and their continued united efforts in the fight against the rising fentanyl crisis.

Read more about the fentanyl pill crisis in America and PSM’s coverage of it.