New Delhi, June 15 (IANS) The Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, Government of India, has notified 2‑Bromo‑4‑Methylpropiophenone as a controlled substance under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Regulation of Controlled Substances) Order, 2013.

This step was taken due to its increasing use in the manufacture of mephedrone (4‑methylmethcathinone), a psychotropic substance under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.

“All persons and entities engaged in the manufacture, distribution, sale, purchase, possession, storage, consumption, import or export or in offering 2‑Bromo‑4‑Methylpropiophenone for sale or distribution, or in mediating its sale or purchase, including through any website, social media platform or other electronic means, are required to obtain registration number in Form A from the jurisdictional Zonal Director, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), in accordance with the NDPS (RCS) Order, 2013,” stated a notification dated June 15, 2026.

“All such firms/entities are requested to submit registration applications in Form B to the concerned NCB Zonal Unit well in advance, i.e., on or before August 7, 2026, so that the registration number is issued by NCB within the statutory period of 180 days from March 11, 2026,” it added.

All manufacturers, traders, distributors, importers, exporters, consumers, users and any other persons holding stocks of 2‑Bromo‑4‑Methylpropiophenone have also been requested to furnish details of the stock held as of June 30, 2026, to the jurisdictional Zonal Director, NCB, on or before July 10, 2026, in Form X.

“Any person or entity dealing with the substance in contravention of the provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985, after September 7, 2026, shall render himself/itself liable for penal action under Section 25A of the NDPS Act, 1985. Detailed procedures, prescribed Forms and jurisdictions of NCB Zonal Units are available on the NCB Precursors Portal,” the notification stated.

Mephedrone is a synthetic narcotic used as a party drug. Huge quantities of the substance have been seized in raids by the NCB across the country over the last few months. Officials believe that the manufacture of mephedrone can be curbed if the sale and manufacture of 2‑Bromo‑4‑Methylpropiophenone are controlled.

–IANS

jb/dan