DEA Denies Sketchy Applicant's Drug Handling Bid
Published Date: 7/14/2025
Notice
Summary
Michael Bouknight from Pennsylvania tried to get permission to handle controlled substances but didn’t have the proper state approval and gave false info on his applications. Because he didn’t respond in time, the DEA denied all his current and pending applications. This means he can’t legally handle controlled substances, and the decision is final as of early 2025.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
DEA Registrations Denied; Effectively Barred
The DEA denied Michael Bouknight’s pending applications for registration (Control Nos. W24128628C and W24092701C) and also denied any other pending applications of his in Pennsylvania. The denial is ordered effective August 13, 2025, which means he may not legally hold a DEA registration to handle controlled substances in Pennsylvania.
Found Not Licensed in Pennsylvania
The Agency found, based on Pennsylvania licensing records, that Michael Bouknight is not licensed or otherwise authorized to handle controlled substances in Pennsylvania. Because state authority is required to obtain a DEA registration, the Agency concluded he is ineligible for registration in Pennsylvania.
Material Falsification Found on Applications
The Agency found that on July 8, 2024 and September 6, 2024, the applicant submitted DEA registration applications for Schedules II–V and entered a Pennsylvania physician license number that belonged to another person. The Agency found those entries to be material falsifications supporting denial under 21 U.S.C. 824(a)(1).
Limited Opportunity to Seek Reconsideration
The Order notes that the Agency took official notice that the applicant lacks a Pennsylvania license and states that the applicant may, within fifteen calendar days of the date of this Order, file a motion for reconsideration of that factual finding by submitting a properly supported motion and response by email to the DEA Office of the Administrator.
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