DEA Bans 'Designer Xanax' Nationwide Following AG Coleman's Call

AG: Kentucky News Releases

Filed March 18th, 2026

Detected March 18th, 2026

Summary

The DEA has officially scheduled bromazolam, a drug contributing to overdose deaths, as a controlled substance nationwide following a request from Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman. This action empowers law enforcement to crack down on the substance, often referred to as 'Designer Xanax'.

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What changed

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has formally scheduled bromazolam, commonly known as 'Designer Xanax,' as a Schedule I controlled substance nationwide. This action was taken in response to a request initiated by Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman, who led a 21-state coalition urging the DEA to ban the drug. The scheduling aims to provide law enforcement with the authority to combat the distribution and use of bromazolam, which has been linked to nearly 50 overdose deaths in Kentucky in 2024.

This regulatory change has immediate implications for law enforcement agencies across the country, granting them new tools to address the illicit drug trade involving bromazolam. While no specific compliance deadline for regulated entities is mentioned, the scheduling of bromazolam means that its possession, distribution, and manufacture are now subject to federal controlled substance laws. The DEA's action is intended to disrupt access to this potent and potentially lethal substance and protect public health. Companies involved in the pharmaceutical supply chain should ensure their practices align with the new controlled substance classification.

What to do next

Review DEA scheduling of bromazolam and update internal controls if applicable.
Ensure compliance with federal controlled substance regulations regarding bromazolam.

Penalties

Schedule I drug designation empowers law enforcement to crack down on bromazolam.

Source document (simplified)

DEA Answers AG Coleman’s Call to Ban ‘Designer Xanax’ Nationwide

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 18, 2026) - Attorney General Russell Coleman announced today the Trump Administration acted on his request to create a nationwide ban on a drug that contributed to the deaths of nearly 50 Kentuckians.

This week, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) formally added bromazolam to the federal schedule of controlled substances. A Schedule I drug designation empowers law enforcement across the country to crack down on bromazolam while increasing awareness of the drug’s potentially deadly effects.

Last year, Attorney General Coleman led a 21-state coalition calling on the DEA to schedule the drug.

Called “Designer Xanax,” bromazolam is passed off as prescription pills commonly used to treat conditions such as anxiety disorders, insomnia, and seizures. Sold on the streets and online, bromazolam has proven to be both highly potent and even lethal, especially when combined with opioids or other central nervous system depressants. After the Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force sounded the alarm, General Coleman urged Kentucky health officials to immediately ban the drug in the Commonwealth.

After the Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force sounded the alarm, General Coleman urged Kentucky health officials to immediately ban the drug in the Commonwealth.

“Through zealous collaboration among our outstanding partners in Kentucky law enforcement, health officials and the Trump Administration, we’ve successfully banned bromazolam nationwide,” said Attorney General Coleman. “We must continue to run faster to counter the deadly drug threat, and I’m grateful to all those who helped protect Kentucky families.”

“We commend Attorney General Coleman for his strong leadership, decisive action, and unwavering commitment to public safety in leading the charge for the rescheduling of bromazolam. His efforts have had an immediate and meaningful impact-- not only strengthening communities across the Commonwealth of Kentucky, but also contributing to the protection of citizens nationwide,” said Scott Hardcorn, director of the Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force.

“The emergency scheduling of bromazolam is a decisive step to get ahead of a rapidly evolving threat. We will not wait for more lives to be put at risk,” said DEA Assistant Administrator Cheri Oz, Diversion Control Division. “This action closes dangerous gaps, disrupts access, and gives law enforcement and public health partners the tools they need to respond. Protecting our communities from emerging drugs is a top priority, and we will continue to act swiftly to stay ahead of those who seek to exploit them.”

The Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy reported 48 overdose deaths in 2024 involving bromazolam.