DEA Classifies “Pink” as a Schedule I Narcotic

Federal authorities are looking to ban a drug that reportedly has effects similar to those of heroin. The drug in question, a synthetic narcotic known as “Pink,” is going to be classified as a Schedule I controlled dangerous substance (CDS) under federal law.

The US Controlled Dangerous Substances Act classifies drugs according to certain characteristics, including whether the drug has an accepted medical use and whether the drug poses a high risk of addiction and abuse to users. By making Pink a Schedule I CDS, federal authorities are placing the drug in the same category as heroin, ecstasy, and LSD – and just above the category for cocaine.

With new synthetic drugs seemingly being created every day, federal regulators have a difficult time keeping track of all of the narcotics that pose health risks to users. The latest drug to be identified as a problem by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is U-47700, which is more commonly known on the street as Pink.

In recent months, Pink has been connected to several fatal overdoses, which has prompted action by the DEA. So far, at least 46 deaths have been confirmed by law enforcement officials. The majority of the fatal overdoses stemming from use of Pink have occurred in New York and North Carolina.

The reality is that Pink is a synthetic drug that is actually more potent, and more deadly, than drugs like heroin and ecstasy. Some sellers of Pink even mix the drug with heroin in order to create a more powerful high for the user.

Making matters worse is the fact that Pink can be easily purchased over the Internet. Although the DEA’s new classification of Pink as a Schedule I narcotics will make it illegal for anyone to buy or sell the drug online, the scheduling of Pink has not yet taken effect. This means that it is still legal to buy Pink over the Internet in most states. (At least a few states have already banned Pink.)

Once Pink is officially added to the Schedule I list, it will remain on the list for two years before the DEA reevaluates the drug.

For additional information, check out the NBCNews.com article, “Feds Move to Ban Pink, Heroin Substitute That’s Killed Dozens.”

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