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Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB)

New Psychoactive Substances (NPS)

Relevant information on the drug New Psychoactive Substances (NPS), also known as Spice, K2, Bath Salts, Kronic, Bromo-Dragonfly, Mushroom, Synthetic Cannabis, BZP, TFMPP, Mephedrone.

Last updated 20 November 2025

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Also known as
Description
Negative effects
Penalties
References
Images of drugs in a test tube

New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) were listed as Class A controlled drugs in the First Schedule of the Misuse of Drugs Act on 1 May 2014.

Also known as

  • Spice, K2, Bath Salts, Kronic, Bromo-Dragonfly, Mushroom, Synthetic Cannabis, BZP, TFMPP, Mephedrone

Description

  • New psychoactive substances (NPS) refer to substances that mimic the effects of other controlled drugs, such as cannabis, cocaine, Ecstasy, methamphetamine or heroin.

  • NPS are produced by introducing slight modifications to the chemical structures of existing NPS and controlled drugs to create new variations that are not yet controlled.

Negative effects

NPS have unknown, dangerous toxicology effects and are as addictive and harmful as controlled drugs. Abuse can lead to

  • Severe intoxications1

  • Severe toxic reaction leading to death2

  • Paranoia3

  • Hallucinations4,5

  • Adverse cardiovascular problems6

  • Renal failure7

  • Seizures8,9

Penalties

Possession of NPS:

  • Up to a maximum of 10 years of imprisonment or a fine of $20,000 or both

Consumption of NPS:

  • At least 1 year of imprisonment, up to a maximum of 10 years of imprisonment with a maximum fine of $20,000 

Illegal traffic of NPS:

  • At least 5 years of imprisonment and 5 strokes of the cane, up to a maximum of 20 years of imprisonment and 15 strokes of the cane

Illegal import or export of NPS:

  • At least 5 years of imprisonment and 5 strokes of the cane, up to a maximum of 30 years of imprisonment and 15 strokes of the cane

References

1,2UNODC leaflet on NPS.
3 US Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration "Drugs of Abuse", 2011 report
4 The Challenge of NPS, UNODC Global Smart Programme 2013
5 US Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration "Drugs of Abuse", 2011 report
6 The Challenge of NPS, UNODC Global Smart Programme 2013
7 The Challenge of NPS, UNODC Global Smart Programme 2013
8 Perspectives on drugs - Synthetic cannabinoids in Europe, by European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction
9 The Challenge of NPS, UNODC Global Smart Programme 2013