Report on the risk assessment of 4-MTA in the framework of the joint action on new synthetic drugs

In February 1999, the drug 4-methylthioamphetamine (4-MTA) became the second substance to be referred for risk assessment under the Joint Action concerning the information exchange, risk assessment and control of new synthetic drugs adopted on 16.6.97 by the Council of the European Union. The referral had been prompted by large seizures of the drug in the second half of 1998 and a number of deaths allegedly linked to substance.

This publication consists of the main results of, and supporting documents from, a special risk-assessment meeting held at the EMCDDA in May 1999. As a result of this report, the EU Council of Justice and Home Affairs adopted a decision on 13.9.99 'defining 4-MTA as a new synthetic drug which is to be made subject to control measures and criminal penalties' in the EU Member States.