Citation Codes Equivalent Citations citation codes Docket Number No. 73-1708. Attorney(S) Robert E. J. Curran, U.S. Atty., Gilbert J. Scutti, Asst. U.S. Atty., for appellee. Edward H. Weis, Mark D. Schaffer, Vincent J. Ziccardi, Philadelphia, Pa., for appellant. Judges Arlin Marvin Adams James Hunter Joseph Francis Weis Acts Food And Drugs — Drug Abuse Prevention And Control — Control And Enforcement — Offenses And Penalties — Prohibited Acts A Food And Drugs — Drug Abuse Prevention And Control — Control And Enforcement — Introductory Provisions — Definitions See more information ... Smart Summary Please sign up to generate summary. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, APPELLEE, v. RALPH REDWOOD, APPELLANT. OPINION OF THE COURT PER CURIAM: The sole issue on this appeal is whether the district court erred in refusing to instruct the jury that the "procuring agent" or "purchasing agent" theory was a valid defense to the criminal charge of unlawful distribution of heroin under 21 U.S.C. § 841(a). Appellant argues that he was acting solely on behalf of the purchaser and thus not within the proscription of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a). Appellant correctly observes that under prior law a person could not be convicted of "selling" narcotics if he were acting solely on behalf of the purchaser. United States v. Sawyer, 210 F.2d 169 (3d Cir. 1964). Under the present law, however, the conduct proscribed is "distribution" rather than "sale" of a controlled substance. We believe that this change of language clearly precludes the use of the "procuring agent" or "purchasing agent" defense. Accord, United States v. Johnson, 481 F.2d 645 (5th Cir. 1973); United States v. Hernandez, 480 F.2d 1044 (9th Cir. 1973); United States v. Workopich, 479 F.2d 1142 (5th Cir. 1973). See 21 U.S.C. § 841(a). The act defines "distribute" to mean "to deliver . . . a controlled substance" and defines "deliver" as the "transfer of a controlled substance, whether or not there exists an agency relationship." 21 U.S.C. § 802(8), (11) (emphasis added). The order of the district court will be affirmed.