The European Union has moved swiftly to control three dangerous new psychoactive substances. This action follows a surge in poisonings and seizures across member states.

From 12 January, three specific compounds are now classified as controlled drugs under EU law. These are 2-methylmethcathinone (2-MMC), 4-bromomethcathinone (4-BMC) and N-ethylnorpentedrone (NEP). Consequently, member states have until 12 July to implement the necessary national legislation.

All three substances belong to the synthetic cathinone family. These are stimulants chemically related to cathinone, the psychoactive compound found in the khat plant. Moreover, they’ve been marketed and sold as ‘legal’ alternatives to MDMA, amphetamine and cocaine. This makes them particularly attractive to recreational users.

Rising Threat from Synthetic Cathinones

The decision follows risk assessments conducted by the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) in May 2025. These assessments examined health risks, availability patterns and links to organised crime. At the time, member states had reported rising availability through the EU Early Warning System. Additionally, there was an increase in poisonings linked to these new psychoactive substances.

The scale of the problem is stark. Seizures of synthetic cathinones have exploded from 4.5 tonnes in 2021 to at least 37 tonnes in 2023. Furthermore, preliminary figures suggest more than 48 tonnes were seized in 2024. Much of this has arrived through bulk imports from India. Notably, the Netherlands serves as the primary entry point.

Production within Europe

However, the threat isn’t only external. In 2023 alone, authorities dismantled 53 synthetic cathinone production sites across the EU. This figure nearly doubled from the 29 found in 2022. Poland has emerged as a particular hotspot. Several large-scale facilities have been discovered there.

Since 1997, over 1,000 new psychoactive substances have been reported to the Early Warning System. Of these, 181 were synthetic cathinones. In fact, they represent the second largest group monitored, after cannabinoids.

Users typically snort or swallow these substances. Nevertheless, injection has been reported in high-risk settings. The European Drug Report 2025 warned that synthetic cathinones are gaining ground on Europe’s stimulant market. Specifically, the report highlighted unprecedented imports and seizures reflecting their increased availability.

Faster Response to New Psychoactive Substances

The European Commission introduced the controls through a Delegated Directive. This amends existing legislation designed to deliver a stronger response to emerging substances. Therefore, it represents the final stage in the EU’s three-step legal process for tackling potentially harmful compounds as they appear.

The risk assessments examined more than just direct health and social harms. They also looked at international trafficking patterns. Similarly, they investigated the involvement of organised crime networks in manufacturing and distribution.

With these three substances now controlled across all EU member states, authorities will have enhanced powers. As a result, they can better prevent their sale and distribution. This is a crucial step in protecting public health as criminals continue developing new variants to circumvent existing laws.

Source: euda