Fentanyl makers just lost a key ingredient, no matter how small the amount

The US Drug Enforcement Administration wants to classify propionyl chloride as a List I chemical. This means anyone handling the chemical, even in tiny amounts or mixtures, will face strict regulations under the Controlled Substances Act.

This change makes it harder for illegal drug manufacturers to get a key ingredient for fentanyl. Previously, they could use propionyl chloride as a substitute for another regulated chemical. Now, both are controlled, closing a loophole that allowed them to easily acquire the substance.