Opinion ID: 783044
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The Connecticut Catch-All

Text: 21 The Connecticut definition of narcotic substance, which lists cocaine, opium, opiates or their derivatives, also embraces substances which are similar thereto in physiological effect and which show a like potential for abuse. Conn. Gen.Stat. § 21a-240(30)(A)(i) (opium and opiates); id. § 21a-240(30)(B) (cocaine). (The full definition is set out in the margin. 4 ) 22 Gousse argues that the federal definition of narcotic drug, 21 U.S.C. § 802(17)-(20), is narrower because (i) the federal definition of cocaine (21 U.S.C. § 802(17)(D)) has no analog to the Connecticut prohibition of cocaine derivatives similar in effect and alike in potential for abuse, and (ii) the federal definition of opiates (21 U.S.C. § 802(18)), has a catch-all that embraces only substances that are addictive. (The text of the federal definition is set out in the margin. 5 ) We do not consider that argument because it is beside the point. Gousse is comparing (i) Connecticut's definition of narcotic substance, to (ii) the federal definition of narcotic drug. But the question here is whether Gousse was convicted of a state offense that is classified as an aggravated felony under the INA. The aggravated felony at issue here is illicit trafficking in a controlled substance.  8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43)(B) (emphasis added). The federal definition of narcotic drug encompasses fewer than all of the substances encompassed by the federal definition of controlled substances. 23 Under federal law, [t]he term `controlled substances' means a drug or other substance, or immediate precursor, included in schedule I, II, III, IV, or V of part B of this title [21 U.S.C. § 812]. 21 U.S.C. § 802(6). Gousse's argument, premised on the supposedly broader prohibition of Connecticut law, fails unless some substance proscribed by the Connecticut definition of narcotic substance is missing from the federal schedules and therefore is not a controlled substance. Gousse contends that thebaine-derived butorphanol and nalmefene are two such substances.