DEA Clamps Down on Deadly Fentanyl Distribution

But over-prescription of pills is still fueling the opioid crisis

Fentanyl pills and crystals sold on the street. DEA

WASHINGTON—Taking further steps to slow the rate of deaths from opioids, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is placing all fentanyl-related substances under emergency Schedule I controls.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 50 times more powerful than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine.