New Delhi | The Centre has notified 2-Bromo-4-Methylpropiophenone as a "controlled substance" under the anti-narcotics law due to the chemical's increasing use in the manufacture of mephedrone, a psychotropic drug, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) said on Monday.

Now, the chemical's usage will be monitored, the NCB said in a statement.

The Department of Revenue under the Ministry of Finance issued the notification on March 11, it said.

"The government notified 2-Bromo-4- Methylpropiophenone as a controlled substance under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Regulation of Controlled Substances) Order, 2013, due to its increasing use in manufacture of mephedrone (4-methylmethcathinone), a psychotropic substance," the statement said.

It stated that 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 a registration number from the NCB.

It added that all entities holding stocks of the chemical are required to furnish details of the stock held as of June 30, 2026, to the jurisdictional NCB office, on or before July 10, using a stipulated form.

"Any person or entity dealing with the substance in contravention of the provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985, after Sep 7, 2026, shall render himself/itself liable for penal action under Section 25A of the NDPS Act (punishment for contravention)," the statement said.

Mephedrone is a synthetic stimulant drug having slang names like 'M-CAT', 'meow-meow' and MD, and its most common side effect includes bruxism.