# 2026-00362: DEA Bans N-Pyrrolidino What? Two New Drugs Hit Schedule I

2026-00362, Schedules of Controlled Substances: Placement of N-Pyrrolidino Metonitazene and N-Pyrrolidino Protonitazene in Schedule I, is a Federal Register rule from Justice Department, Drug Enforcement Administration published 2026-01-12, effective 2026-02-11 (as of 2026-06-11).

- Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-00362
- As of: 2026-06-11
- Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts.

## Facts
- Document number: 2026-00362
- Title: Schedules of Controlled Substances: Placement of N-Pyrrolidino Metonitazene and N-Pyrrolidino Protonitazene in Schedule I
- Type: Rule
- Agencies: Justice Department; Drug Enforcement Administration
- Citation: 91 FR 1089
- Published: 2026-01-12
- Effective: 2026-02-11
- Comments close: not stated
- Significant: no
- Touches household money: no
- Regulation identifier numbers: none
- Last updated: 2026-06-11

## In one line

DEA Bans N-Pyrrolidino What? Two New Drugs Hit Schedule I

## Summary

Starting February 11, 2026, two powerful new drugs—N-pyrrolidino metonitazene and N-pyrrolidino protonitazene—are officially banned and placed in the strictest drug category, Schedule I. This means anyone making, selling, or using these drugs faces serious legal trouble. The move helps the U.S. follow international drug rules and keeps communities safer without adding new costs.

## Abstract

With the issuance of this final order, the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration is permanently placing 2-(4- methoxybenzyl)-5-nitro-1-(2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl)-1H-benzimidazole (other names: N-pyrrolidino metonitazene or metonitazepyne) and 5- nitro-2-(4-propoxybenzyl)-1-(2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl)-1H-benzimidazole (other names: N-pyrrolidino protonitazene or protonitazepyne), including their isomers, esters, ethers, salts, and salts of isomers, esters, and ethers whenever the existence of such isomers, esters, ethers, and salts are possible within the specific chemical designation, in schedule I under the Controlled Substances Act. This action is being taken, in part, to enable the United States to meet its obligations under the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs. This action imposes permanent regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions applicable to schedule I controlled substances on persons who handle (manufacture, distribute, import, export, engage in research or conduct instructional activities with or possess), or handle N-pyrrolidino metonitazene and N-pyrrolidino protonitazene.

## Effects PRIA read

- Two Nitazenes Permanently Banned: cost, high. Starting February 11, 2026, N-pyrrolidino metonitazene and N-pyrrolidino protonitazene are permanently placed in Schedule I. Anyone who makes, sells, imports, exports, researches, or possesses these drugs without DEA authorization is subject to the Controlled Substances Act's administrative, civil,…
- DEA Registration and Compliance Required: cost, medium. If you handle these substances for any lawful purpose, you must be registered with DEA and follow Schedule I rules. That includes registration under 21 U.S.C. 822/823, disposal under 21 CFR part 1317, Schedule I security rules (21 CFR 1301.71–1301.76), labeling/packaging requirements, manufacturing…
- Retail Sales and Unauthorized Possession Prohibited: cost, high. Retail sales of Schedule I controlled substances to the general public are not allowed, and possession of any quantity of these substances without authorization under the CSA is unlawful. Persons in unauthorized possession may be prosecuted under the Controlled Substances Act.

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## Sources
- [2026-00362 on federalregister.gov](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/12/2026-00362/schedules-of-controlled-substances-placement-of-n-pyrrolidino-metonitazene-and-n-pyrrolidino)
- [2026-00362 as published (PDF)](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-01-12/pdf/2026-00362.pdf)

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Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-00362 (as of 2026-06-11).