How is Meth Manufactured?
The manufacture of methamphetamine is fairly simple and does not require a college chemistry degree. Generally, meth is made by using a recipe obtained from acquaintances, publications or other sources. The person manufacturing the drug literally cooks the ingredients. Hence these people are called cooks. Though there are a number of methods used to produce this drug, the two most common methods currently found in Colorado include the Red Phosphorous and Birch methods. Both use ephedrine or pseudoephedrine as a primary ingredient. These chemicals are present in many common over-the-counter cold and asthma medications.
The processing required to make methamphetamine from precursor substances is easier and more accessible than ever. There are literally thousands of recipes and information about making meth on the Internet. An investment of a few hundred dollars in over-the-counter medications and chemicals can produce thousands of dollars worth of methamphetamine. The drug can be made in a makeshift “lab” that can fit into a suit case. The average meth “cook” annually teaches ten other people how to make the drug. http://www.kci.
• Typically meth is made in “secret labs” by individuals who are usually meth users, and have little or no knowledge of chemistry (meth manufacturers are commonly referred to as meth cooks). • Various ingredients are combined and cooked together through a process that can take from 2-6 hours. • For every pound of meth produced, five to six pounds of waste is created. • The waste from labs is typically poured down drains, in yards or left on the side of the road, or in a rural areas.
