Ecuador Adds 10 Substances to Drug Control List Amid Synthetic Drug Risks

Ecuador has incorporated 10 new substances under fiscalization due to risks associated with synthetic drugs, as announced by the Ministry of Public Health (MSP) and the Interinstitutional Committee for Comprehensive Prevention of the Socioeconomic Phenomenon of Drugs.

During the committee's first ordinary session of 2026, new measures related to the national drug prevention and control policy were approved. The 10 substances added to the controlled list include various synthetic opioids like N-pyrrolidino protonitazene and N-desethyl etonitazene, synthetic cannabinoids such as MDMB-Fubinaca, and carisoprodol, a central nervous system depressant. A chemical precursor, 3,4-MDP-2-P methyl glycidate, was also added.

This decision was made in response to alerts from international organizations regarding the risks associated with the consumption and abuse potential of these substances. The MSP stated that updating these lists will strengthen national surveillance, control, and fiscalization capabilities, allowing for proactive risk assessment of new synthetic drugs and maintaining harmonization with international standards.

Furthermore, the committee approved a regulatory document to establish 24 provincial committees. These bodies will be responsible for articulating and coordinating public policies at the territorial level, thereby reinforcing national drug governance. The MSP also announced the initiation of the process to develop the National Plan for Comprehensive Prevention and Control of the Socioeconomic Phenomenon of Drugs 2027-2031, with technical assistance from the Organization of American States' Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD).

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The session represents an opportunity to consolidate response mechanisms to the population's needs.