What is required if the inventory of controlled substances will not fit in a safe or cabinet?

• A. A vault is required for storage purposes.
• B. An additional locked cabinet somewhere else.
• C. A larger safe is allowed.
• D. Inventory must be reassessed and split across days.

Answer: (A)

Controlled substances require storage that matches their potential for diversion, with higher security for larger quantities. If the entire inventory cannot be contained in a standard locked cabinet or safe, the appropriate secure storage is a vault. A vault provides stronger construction, anchored installation, and stricter access controls, meeting regulatory requirements for substantial inventories and reducing risk of theft. Adding an extra locked cabinet elsewhere or using a larger safe still doesn’t meet the higher security standard required when the quantity exceeds typical cabinet or safe capacity, and splitting inventory across days would fail to maintain accurate, auditable records. Therefore, using a vault ensures compliance and proper protection for larger controlled-substance inventories.