Which of the following drugs is categorized as a Penalty Group 1 drug?

Fentanyl is categorized as a Penalty Group 1 drug primarily because of its high potential for abuse and its capacity to cause severe physical dependence. As a powerful synthetic opioid, fentanyl is significantly stronger than many prescription pain relievers and is often associated with a high risk of overdose. In many jurisdictions, including those that adhere to the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, Penalty Group 1 encompasses substances that are listed as having no accepted medical use or those that have a high potential for abuse, making the misuse of fentanyl particularly concerning for public health and safety.

In contrast, aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen are classified as non-opioid analgesics and are widely recognized for their accepted medical uses in pain and inflammation management. They do not carry the same level of risk for abuse or dependency as opioids like fentanyl. Thus, the classification of fentanyl under Penalty Group 1 underscores the stringent regulations and legal controls placed on substances with high abuse potential.