Labeling Fentanyl as Mass Weapon May Further Curb Medical Uses

Illegally produced fentanyl is the deadliest opioid when abused but its medical counterpart is a lifeline for people with severe pain. Now a drug that’s been made harder to get may become close to impossible.

The Department of Homeland Security is considering whether to classify fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction in certain situations, according to a Feb. 22 memo obtained by Task and Purpose. A DHS official wouldn’t confirm if the department is discussing taking this action.

There have already been new restrictions on how much fentanyl can be produced as a result of the focus on opioid ...