DOJ Finalizes Expanded DEA Anti-Diversion Powers

The Justice Department issued a final rule Wednesday that will strengthen the Drug Enforcement Administration’s ability to crack down on drug diversion.

Under the new rule, the DEA will be authorized to reduce the amount of a drug or a particular company’s drug that can be produced in a given year if it believes they are being diverted for misuse.

DOJ said the altered limits will incentivize opioid manufacturers to step up their vigilance on potential misuses of their products and better equip the DEA to respond to the addiction crisis, while in the meantime ensuring those opioids that are necessary for medical and research needs remain available.