Pharmacy Requests Permit for Elephant Tranquilizer Imports
Published Date: 6/17/2026
Notice
Summary
Wedgewood Pharmacy LLC wants to become an official importer of certain strong controlled substances, like Etorphine HCL and Thiafentanil. This affects drug manufacturers and others in the supply chain who can comment or request a hearing by July 17, 2026. No direct costs are mentioned, but the decision could impact how these drugs enter the U.S. market.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Application to Import Two Schedule II Drugs
Wedgewood Pharmacy LLC applied on May 5, 2026 to be registered as an importer of Etorphine HCL (drug code 9059) and Thiafentanil (drug code 9729), both listed as Schedule II controlled substances. The application states the company plans to import these substances for distribution to their customers.
Deadline to Comment or Request Hearing
Registered bulk manufacturers of the listed drug classes and other applicants may submit electronic comments or objections, or file a written request for a hearing, on or before July 17, 2026 via https://www.regulations.gov or by delivering hearing requests to DEA addresses listed in the notice. Submitters will receive a Comment Tracking Number upon successful electronic submission.
Import Authorization Is Limited
The notice states that, if registered, Wedgewood's authorization would be limited to importing the listed drug codes for distribution to customers and would not authorize any other activities. Approval would not extend to importation of FDA-approved or non-approved finished dosage forms for commercial sale, and must be consistent with 21 U.S.C. 952(a)(2).
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-11526, Implementation of the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention That Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act of 2018: Dispensing and Administering Controlled Substances for Medication-Assisted Treatment
Starting July 9, 2026, new rules make it easier for doctors and pharmacies to provide medicine that helps people recover from opioid addiction. These changes affect healthcare providers by expanding who can give medication-assisted treatment and how pharmacies can deliver these medicines. The goal? Faster, safer access to treatment with clear rules that save time and support recovery.
2026-10128, Revision of Applications for Manufacturing and Procurement Quotas
The DEA wants to update how companies apply for permission to make and buy certain controlled drugs and chemicals. These changes will make the rules clearer, help prevent drug shortages, and ensure enough supply for medical and scientific needs. If you’re a manufacturer or involved in this process, get ready to follow new steps and share your thoughts by July 20, 2026.
2026-19400, Schedules of Controlled Substances: Placement of 4-Hydroxy-N,N-Diisopropyltryptamine (4-OH-DiPT), 5-Methoxy-alpha-Methyltryptamine (5-MeO-AMT), 5-Methoxy-N-Methyl-N-Isopropyltryptamine (5-MeO-MiPT), 5-Methoxy-N,N-Diethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DET), and N,N-Diisopropyltryptamine (DiPT) Into Schedule I
The Drug Enforcement Administration wants to put five specific hallucinogenic drugs into Schedule I, meaning they’ll be treated as illegal with strict rules. This affects anyone who makes, sells, studies, or owns these drugs, adding serious legal consequences. You have until October 23, 2026, to share your thoughts or ask for a hearing before the rule might become official.
2026-19232, Esther Villanueva Valdes, M.D.; Decision and Order
Dr. Esther Villanueva Valdes from Puerto Rico lost her DEA registration because she’s no longer allowed to handle controlled substances and was excluded from federal health programs like Medicare and Medicaid. She didn’t ask for a hearing, so the decision to revoke her registration is final. This means she can’t legally prescribe or manage controlled drugs anymore, effective immediately.
2026-19231, Schedules of Controlled Substances: Placement of Diphenidine in Schedule I
Starting October 21, 2026, diphenidine and its related forms will be officially listed as Schedule I drugs, meaning they’re considered highly controlled with no accepted medical use. This change affects anyone who makes, sells, studies, or even possesses diphenidine, bringing strict rules and serious penalties. The move helps the U.S. follow international drug laws and keep communities safer.
2026-18604, Joseph John Stubbers III, D.O.; Decision and Order
Dr. Joseph John Stubbers III from Ohio lost his DEA registration to handle controlled substances because he no longer has the legal authority to prescribe them in Ohio. He didn’t ask for a hearing to challenge this, so the DEA officially revoked his registration as of February 28, 2026. This means he can’t legally prescribe or manage controlled drugs anymore, impacting his medical practice and patients.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-12143, Importer of Controlled Substances Application: AndersonBrecon, Inc. DBA PCI Pharma Services
AndersonBrecon, Inc. DBA PCI Pharma Services wants to become an official importer of certain controlled substances, including some strong drugs like tetrahydrocannabinols. People and companies involved with these drugs can share their thoughts or ask for a hearing by July 17, 2026. This move could impact how these substances are brought into the U.S., but no costs or fees were mentioned yet.
Next: 2026-12145, Civilian Acquisition Workforce Personnel Demonstration (AcqDemo) Project; Department of Defense (DoD)
The Department of Defense is updating its AcqDemo program to make hiring, pay, and workforce rules more flexible and modern. These changes help attract and keep skilled civilian workers who support military buying and tech projects. The new rules kick in about a month after the final announcement, and folks can share their thoughts until July 17, 2026.