Preliminary Designation of 'Protonitagen' as a Temporary Narcotic Substitute Substance

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety announced on the 2nd that it will designate 'Protonitazene,' a substance abused as a substitute for narcotics domestically and internationally, as a Schedule 1 temporary narcotic.

Protonitazene is a synthetic opioid substance that exhibits effects similar to 'Etonitazene,' which is already designated as a narcotic in Korea, and it is also managed as a 'designated drug' in Japan. It acts on opioid receptors in the body, causing dependence and withdrawal symptoms.

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety manages substances that are not currently classified as narcotics but are abused as narcotic substitutes and pose a risk to public health by designating them as 'temporary narcotics' for up to three years. Substances designated as temporary narcotics are treated and managed the same as narcotics from the date of designation notice, and possession, ownership, use, management, import/export, manufacture, sale, brokerage, and transfer are all completely prohibited and subject to seizure.

Schedule 1 temporary narcotics are substances that act on the central nervous system or have structural and effect similarities to narcotics, posing a high risk of causing dependence and harm. Those who import/export, manufacture, sell, broker, or transfer Schedule 1 temporary narcotics face life imprisonment or imprisonment for five years or more.

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