MFDS Announces Preliminary Designation of Five 'Temporary Narcotics' Including Synthetic Cannabis-Related Substances

Three New Substances Including 'ADBI-Pubiata' Designated... Two Amphetamine-Type Substances Re-Designated

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] On the 7th, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety announced a preliminary designation of five synthetic cannabinoid substances, including 'ADB-FUBIATA,' which are used as substitutes for narcotics domestically and internationally, as temporary narcotics.

'Brorphine' has been newly designated as a Schedule 1 temporary narcotic, while 'ADB-FUBIATA' and 'Cumyl-CH-Megaclon' have been newly designated as Schedule 2 temporary narcotics.

The Ministry classifies substances that act on the central nervous system or have similarities to narcotics and pose a high risk of physical or mental harm as Schedule 1 temporary narcotics, and those with potential risks as Schedule 2, managing them accordingly.

Brorphine is a substance that acts on opioid receptors in the central nervous system within the body and is feared to cause tolerance and withdrawal symptoms. ADB-FUBIATA is a synthetic cannabinoid substance that produces hallucinogenic effects and was confirmed to have been imported into Korea last December. Cumyl-CH-Megaclon is also a synthetic cannabinoid substance with hallucinogenic effects, and side effects such as abnormal behavior and slow pupil response have been reported.

Additionally, the Ministry re-designated '3-Fluoroethamphetamine' and '4-Fluoroethamphetamine,' which were scheduled to expire on May 15 this year, as Schedule 2 temporary narcotics. Both are amphetamine-type stimulants regulated in the UK, Germany, and Japan.

Substances designated as temporary narcotics are treated and managed the same as narcotics from the date of preliminary designation. Possession, ownership, use, management, import/export, manufacture, sale, brokerage, and transfer are all completely prohibited, and the substances may be seized. After being announced as temporary narcotics, those who import/export, manufacture, sell, broker, or transfer Schedule 1 temporary narcotics face life imprisonment or imprisonment of five years or more. For Schedule 2 temporary narcotics, import/export and manufacture are punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment or a fine of up to 100 million won, and sale, brokerage, or transfer are punishable by up to five years imprisonment or a fine of up to 50 million won.

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety stated, "We expect this preliminary designation of new temporary narcotics to help block the distribution and criminal use of new narcotics," and added, "We will do our best to protect public health from new and illegal narcotics by cooperating with related agencies such as the prosecution, police, and customs."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.