Preliminary Designation of 'Phenarydine' as a Temporary Narcotic Similar to 'Fentanyl'

MFDS Strengthens Management of New and Illegal Substances with Abuse Concerns

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety announced on the 22nd that it has given prior notice of designating 'Phenaridine,' which has a structure and efficacy similar to 'Fentanyl,' a narcotic designated in Korea, as a Schedule 1 temporary narcotic.

Phenaridine is a substance that, like Fentanyl, poses risks of side effects such as respiratory depression and abuse. It is regulated as a narcotic in the United States and the United Kingdom.

The Ministry designates substances that are not narcotics but are abused as substitutes for narcotics and may harm public health as temporary narcotics for up to three years.

Temporary narcotics are classified into Schedule 1 and Schedule 2. Schedule 1 substances act on the central nervous system or have structural and functional similarities to narcotics, posing a high risk of physical and mental harm. Schedule 2 substances have the potential to cause physical and mental harm, such as dependency.

Substances designated as temporary narcotics are treated and managed the same as narcotics from the date of prior notice. Possession, ownership, use, and management of these substances are completely prohibited. From the date of designation announcement, exporting, importing, manufacturing, brokering, or receiving Schedule 1 temporary narcotics will result in life imprisonment or imprisonment for five years or more. Exporting or manufacturing Schedule 2 temporary narcotics will result in imprisonment for up to ten years or a fine of up to 100 million won, and brokering or receiving will result in imprisonment for up to five years or a fine of up to 50 million won.

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