Narcotic Enforcement

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo Establishes New Aggressive Effort to Crack Down on Sale and Abuse of Bath Salts and Synthetic Drugs

To combat the synthetic drug problem and the proliferation of these dangerous drugs, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has established the Synthetic Drug Hotline. This hotline number can be used to report manufacturing, distribution, sale and possession of synthetic drugs, such as "bath salts" and "synthetic marijuana." Many of these dangerous synthetic drugs, which are not approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration for medical use in the United States, may act as stimulants and/or hallucinogens. Bath salts and other synthetic drugs pose a direct, serious threat to public health and safety.

  • Picture of synthetic drugs packaging
  • Picture of synthetic marijuana
  • Picture of bath salts

(photos courtesy of the DEA)

Synthetic Drug Hotline Established - 1-888-99-SALTS (1-888-997-2587)

Use of "bath salts" pose serious health risks and can cause effects similar to those caused by cocaine and amphetamines, including but not limited to increased heart rate and blood pressure, hallucinations, paranoia, suicidal thoughts, violent behavior, nausea and vomiting. In an effort to mask their true purpose, these substances are marketed as "bath salts", "plant food" and other ordinary household goods and may be sold in convenience stores, gas stations and smoke shops.

Use of synthetic marijuana (often marketed as "legal alternatives to marijuana", "K2" or "Spice") also poses serious health risks and has been linked to severe adverse reactions, including death and acute renal failure, and commonly causes: increased heart rate and blood pressure, paranoia, agitation, nausea and vomiting, confusion, drowsiness and seizures.

To report synthetic drug abuse, sale, manufacturing, distribution or possession:

In the e-mail please provide the name, address (including county) of the establishment engaged in the synthetic drug activity and the type of activity noted (manufacturing, sales, distribution, or possession).

Changes to Controlled Substance Schedules Section 3306 of the Public Health Law

Effective November 25, 2012 the following changes will be made to the controlled substance schedules in Section 3306 of the New York State Public Health Law. Where applicable, some common brand name pharmaceutical preparations containing the controlled substances are listed in bold:

Schedule II Additions:

  • Tapentadol (Nucynta™)
  • Immediate precursor to fentanyl: 4-anilino-N-phenethyl-4-piperidine (ANPP)
  • Boldione (androsta-1,4-diene-3,17-dione)
  • Desoxymethyltestosterone (17[alpha]-methyl-5[alpha]-androst-2-en-17[beta]-ol) (a.k.a., madol)
  • 19-nor-4,9(10)-androstadienedione (estra-4,9(10)-diene-3,17-dione)

Schedule II Amendments:

  • Language defining an anabolic steroid was amended: Unless specifically excepted or unless listed in another schedule, "anabolic steroid" shall mean any drug or hormonal substance, chemically and pharmacologically related to testosterone (other than estrogens, progestins, corticosteroids and dehydroepiandrosterone).

Schedule III Amendments:

  • Language to clarify the description of dronabinol.

Schedule IV Additions:

  • Fospropofol (Lusedra™)
  • Carisoprodol (Soma®)

Schedule V Additions:

  • Ezogabine (Potiga™)
  • Lacosamide (Vimpat®)

Effective February 23, 2013 the following changes will be made to the controlled substance schedules in Section 3306 of the New York State Public Health Law. Where applicable, some common brand name pharmaceutical preparations containing the controlled substances are listed in bold:

Schedule II Additions:

  • Hydrocodone (dihydrocodeinone) (Vicodin®, Lortab®, Tussionex®) This action renders all products containing hydrocodone, including but not limited to hydrocodone in combination with acetaminophen or ibuprofen, Schedule II.

Schedule III Deletions:

  • Hydrocodone (dihydrocodeinone) (Vicodin®, Lortab®, Tussionex®) This action renders all products containing hydrocodone, including but not limited to hydrocodone in combination with acetaminophen or ibuprofen, Schedule II.

Schedule IV Additions:

  • Tramadol (Ultram®, Ultracet®, Ryzolt™)

Practitioners and pharmacists are responsible for ensuring prescriptions for all controlled substances including the medications listed above conform to all requirements of the law and regulations, both federal and state. Article 33 of the Public Health Law and Title 10 Part 80 Rules and Regulations on Controlled Substances in New York State may be accessed via the Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement webpage

Electronic Prescriptions for Controlled Substances - Updated January, 2013

Chapter 178 of the Laws of 2010 amended Public Health Law Article 33, The New York State Controlled Substances Act, to authorize electronic prescriptions for controlled substances in New York State. The Department of Health has proposed corresponding regulatory amendments to Title 10 NYCRR Part 80 Rules and Regulations on Controlled Substances. The proposed amendments would specify the manner in which a practitioner may issue an electronic prescription for controlled substances in Schedules II through V and would specify how a pharmacist should dispense and electronically archive such prescriptions. Pursuant to Public Health Law section 3302(37), an electronic prescription for controlled substances may only be issued in accordance with Department of Health regulations, as well as NYS Education Department regulations and federal requirements. Until or unless the proposed amendments to 10 NYCRR Part 80 are adopted and become effective as final regulations, electronic prescribing of controlled substances is not permissible in New York State.

A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for the amendments was published in the New York State Register on January 16, 2013. That includes a summary of the proposed rulemaking. The New York State Register may be accessed electronically:

  • Go to www.health.ny.gov
  • On the right side of the Home Page click on Laws and Regulations
  • Under Rules and Regulations click on New York State Register - NYS Department of State Administrative Rules
  • Click on the year you want to view (i.e., 2013)
  • Click on the register date (i.e., January 16)
  • Click on Rulemaking Activities

To view the full text of the proposed regulations:

  • Go to www.health.ny.gov
  • On the right side of the Home Page click on Laws and Regulations
  • Under Rules and Regulations click on Proposed Rulemaking
  • Click on Continue to Proposed Rulemaking
  • Click on Amendment to Part 80 of Title 10 NYCRR (Electronic Prescribing and Dispensing of Controlled Substances)

Individuals may send public comment regarding the proposed regulatory amendments via electronic mail to the e-mail address in the Notice of Proposed Rule Making:

  • Go to www.health.ny.gov
  • On the right side of the Home Page click on Laws and Regulations
  • Under Rules and Regulations click on Proposed Rulemaking
  • Click on the e-mail address provided to provide comments

The March 31, 2010 Federal Register contained a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Interim Final Rule with Request for Comment regarding Electronic Prescriptions for Controlled Substances. The DEA revised its regulations to provide practitioners with the option of prescribing controlled substances electronically. The regulations also permit pharmacies to receive, dispense and archive these electronic prescriptions. The DEA rule became effective June 1, 2010.

In the interim final rule, the DEA established certain requirements that must be met for any computer application to be used for electronic prescribing of controlled substances. Prescribers and pharmacists are encouraged to view the DEA interim final rule for further information pertaining to those requirements. The rule may be accessed via the U.S Department of Justice DEA Office of Diversion Control website.

Electronic prescriptions for non-controlled substances are permitted in New York State under the authority of the New York State Education Department.

Attention New York State Prescribers

Public Health Law requires that all prescriptions written in New York State be issued on an official New York State prescription form. The law was enacted to combat prescription fraud and went into effect on April 19, 2006.

Register and Order Official Prescriptions Free of Charge

About the Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement

The Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement (BNE) is responsible for protecting the public health by combating the illegal use and trafficking of prescription controlled substances. The Bureau provides millions of secure Official New York State Prescriptions annually to over 95,000 prescribing practitioners across the State. BNE monitors and regulates controlled substances through its issuance of licenses to manufacturers, distributors, hospitals, nursing homes, and researchers. BNE Narcotic Investigators investigate suspected drug diversion or illegal sales involving theft, forgery, and fraudulent visits to practitioners' offices, and work closely with local, state and federal law enforcement. The Bureau also prevents prescription drug abuse through educational materials and presentations for parents, educators, and healthcare professionals.

Footnotes

  1. Products are labeled as "bath salts".
  2. Please refer to ยง3306 Article 33 of the Public Health Law, Schedule II (h). Article 33 may be accessed via the Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement webpage: Laws and Regulations