New Delhi: The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has issued a public notice alerting manufacturers, traders, importers, exporters and other stakeholders about the inclusion of “2-Bromo-4-Methylpropiophenone” (CAS No. 1451-82-7) as a controlled substance under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
The Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, through Notification dated March 11, 2026, officially placed this chemical under the NDPS (Regulation of Controlled Substances) Order, 2013. The move comes in response to its growing misuse as a key precursor in the illicit manufacture of mephedrone (4-methylmethcathinone), a potent psychotropic substance widely abused across the country.
The notification aims to tighten regulatory oversight of the precursor chemical and disrupt the supply chain for synthetic drugs. All individuals and entities engaged in the manufacture, distribution, sale, purchase, possession, storage, consumption, import, export or any commercial dealing of 2-Bromo-4-Methylpropiophenone, including through websites, social media or electronic platforms, must now obtain a registration number in Form A from the jurisdictional Zonal Director of the NCB.
Stakeholders have been directed to submit their registration applications in Form B to the concerned NCB Zonal Unit on or before August 7, 2026, to ensure the timely issuance of registration numbers within the statutory 180-day period.
Additionally, all manufacturers, traders, distributors, importers, exporters and consumers holding stocks of the substance as of June 30, 2026, must furnish complete details in Form X to the NCB on or before July 10, 2026.
The notice warns that any person or entity dealing with the substance in contravention of the provisions of the NDPS Act after September 7, 2026, will face strict penal action under Section 25A of the Act. Detailed procedures, prescribed forms and jurisdictional information are available on the NCB Precursors Portal.
(IANS)
