The Department of Revenue has notified 2-Bromo-4-Methylpropiophenone, the main precursor chemical used by criminals to illegally manufacture mephedrone, a synthetic drug, as a “controlled” substance under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Regulation of Controlled Substances) Order, 2013.

“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...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,” said the NCB on Monday (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 Aug 7, 2026, so that the registration number is issued by NCB within the statutory period of 180 days from March 11, 2026,” it said, adding that they also have to furnish details of the stock held as of June 30, 2026, on or before July 10, 2026.

Any contravention of the NDPS Act in this regard after September 7, 2026, would attract penal action, said the NCB.