This EUDA Precursor Assessment Report examines the evidence on 2-bromo-4′-methylpropiophenone, evaluating its licit use in the EU and the extent of its use in illicit production.

2-Bromo-4′-methylpropiophenone is a chemical precursor used for the production of mephedrone (4-methylmethcathinone or 4-MMC) - a synthetic cathinone stimulant drug that has been present in the drug market in the European Union (EU) since at least 2008. Mephedrone has been under EU control since 2010 and international control since 2015, following which a number of closely related new psychoactive substances emerged on the market. In the period 2021-2023 seizures of mephedrone in the EU have been close to an average of 960 kilograms per year.