Where can Schedules III, IV, and V controlled substances be stored?

• A. In a safe, steel cabinet, vault, building with limited access and security, an alarmed cage, or another DEA-approved secured enclosure.
• B. In a standard desk drawer.
• C. In a public display case.
• D. In a home closet with a padlock.

Answer: (A)

Storing Schedule III, IV, and V controlled substances requires a securely locked storage area to prevent theft or diversion. DEA regulations specify that these substances must be kept in a locked cabinet, safe, vault, or another DEA-approved secured enclosure with access limited to authorized personnel. This ensures the substances remain protected on-site at a registered facility.

The other options don’t meet that standard. A standard desk drawer is not secure against pilferage, a public display case makes the substances accessible to the public, and a home closet with a padlock is not a DEA-approved secure enclosure and generally falls outside the required controlled-storage setup for a practice location.