Shrieve Chemical Company, LLC, a registered importer and distributor of listed chemicals, has agreed to pay $300,000 in civil penalties to settle allegations of violating the Controlled Substances Act. The allegations stemmed from a December 2022 on-site inspection of the company's facility in Marlin, Texas, conducted by DEA diversion investigators.
The investigators claimed that Shrieve Chemical failed to comply with regulatory recordkeeping requirements related to the importation and distribution of listed chemicals. Additionally, it was alleged that the company manufactured gamma-butyrolactone (GBL), a List I chemical, by repackaging and relabeling without proper registration. Furthermore, Shrieve Chemical was accused of making a drop shipment of GBL to a customer without first importing the chemical to its registered location.
Listed chemicals are designated by the DEA for legitimate purposes but can also be used in the illicit manufacture of controlled substances. List I chemicals primarily serve as key ingredients for producing controlled substances, while List II chemicals are mainly reagents or solvents.
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas emphasized the importance of adhering to rules regarding precursor chemicals to prevent them from falling into the wrong hands. He stated that his office would continue to investigate and pursue alleged violations involving listed chemicals to safeguard the community.
Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux for the DEA Houston Division highlighted the significance of holding companies accountable for listed chemicals, as they are often used in the illicit production of harmful drugs that impact communities.
The investigation was led by DEA's San Antonio District Office Diversion Control Unit, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Parnham and Erin Van De Walle negotiating the settlement on behalf of the government.
