In April, 2025, South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) issued Notice No. 2025-157, designating ALEPH-4—chemically known as 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-propan-2-ylsulfanylphenyl)propan-2-amine—as a temporarily controlled narcotic under the Narcotics Control Act, citing potential threats to public health.

Under the new regulation, the following activities involving ALEPH-4 are strictly prohibited:

• Extraction, manufacturing, import/export, or possession for such purposes;
  
  
• Distribution, facilitation of distribution, receipt, supply, or possession with intent to distribute;
  
  
• Possession, ownership, use, transport, administration, injection, or storage.
  
  

Exceptions apply only in specific cases where prior authorization is granted by the MFDS.

The temporary control period will run from April 6, 2025, through March 31, 2028. Full details, including the list of substances under temporary control, are available on the official MFDS website.

This regulatory action highlights South Korea’s continued efforts to protect public health and combat the misuse of potentially harmful psychoactive substances, reinforcing its strong regulatory approach toward emerging narcotics.

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