China Implements New Controls on Key FYL Precursor Chemicals

China is set to enforce new regulations on three key precursor chemicals commonly used in the illegal production of FYL, a synthetic opioid. According to a recent announcement from the White House, these regulations, targeting norfyl, 4-anilinopiperidine (4-AP), and 1-boc-4-AP, will take effect on September 1.

Chinese chemical manufacturers are believed to be a major source of these precursor chemicals, which are often shipped to various countries, including the US and Mexico. Drug cartels in these regions utilize the chemicals in clandestine labs to mass-produce FYL, which is then distributed throughout the United States.

For years, FYL and its analogues were smuggled into the US from China. However, in May 2019, the Chinese government classified all FYL analogues as controlled substances. Despite this, a US congressional committee reported that this measure left a significant loophole, allowing Chinese chemical manufacturers to shift their focus to selling precursor ingredients to North American drug cartels.

In a statement released on August 6, the White House described the new controls on FYL precursors as "an important step in the right direction." This decision comes on the heels of renewed bilateral cooperation between the US and China on counternarcotics efforts, a collaboration that was revived in November last year.

Source: Chemistry World