FDA Raids Poppers Manufacturer, Double Scorpio Shuts Down

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched a crackdown on poppers, a party drug popular in the LGBTQ+ community, leading to the cessation of operations by Double Scorpio, a prominent manufacturer. Following a search and seizure at its offices, Double Scorpio announced the halt of its business, expressing gratitude to its supporters and emphasizing the importance of community trust. Other companies, such as Pac-West Distributing, have also faced similar actions from the FDA, which has largely left the regulation of poppers in a legal gray area until now. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the newly appointed Secretary of Health and Human Services, has a controversial history, including unfounded claims linking poppers to AIDS. The FDA has refrained from commenting on ongoing investigations, maintaining its policy of silence regarding potential criminal actions. This crackdown marks a significant shift in the agency’s approach to the regulation of poppers, which have long been associated with recreational use in clubbing and sexual contexts.