Centre declares 2-Bromo-4-Methylpropiophenone a controlled substance
New Delhi, June 15
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 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
Reader Comments
Interesting move by the Indian government. As someone who follows international drug policy, I see many countries struggle with synthetic drugs. This preemptive regulation of precursors is a smart strategy. Hope this helps reduce availability of mephedrone in India's party scene. 🇮🇳
Ye sahi hai ki government actively action le rahi hai drugs ke against. Lekin mujhe ye confusion hai ki kya ye regulation sirf companies ke liye hai ya individual possession pe bhi apply hoga? Aam admi ko bhi clarity chahiye. Form A, Form B... ye sab common man ke liye complex hai. Phir bhi, good step forward.
Applaud the government's proactive stance. But enforcement is the key. We've seen many laws passed but implementation remains weak on ground. NCB needs manpower and technology to track these chemicals effectively. Also need to educate chemists and small manufacturers about compliance. Otherwise it's just paperwork.
Finally some good news! Mephedrone se bohot log faste hain. Ye party drug college students aur young professionals ke beech mein bahut common ho gaya tha. Mujhe umeed hai ki is step se supply reduce hogi. Par demand bhi control karni padegi — awareness campaigns bhi chahiye. Lekin shuruat toh achhi hai! ✨
N Nisha Z < We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.