Manufacture Of Methamphetamine Research Articles

Injury associated with methamphetamine use: A review of the literature

This paper reviews the literature exploring issues around methamphetamine and injury. There was a paucity of peer reviewed quantitative research and a lack of large scale epidemiological studies. Further sources described cases and others described injury risk as part of an overall review of methamphetamine misuse. Thus, a number of limitations and potential biases exist within the literature. The main areas where associations were noted or extrapolated with methamphetamine use and injury were around driving and violence. Other associations with injury related to methamphetamine manufacture. There was also circumstantial evidence for third party injury (that is injury to those not specifically involved in drug use or drug manufacture); however, the available data are inadequate to confirm these associations/risks.

Capillary Electrophoretic Analysis of Phosphorus Species in Clandestine Methamphetamine Laboratory Samples

The clandestine manufacture of methamphetamine is a spreading epidemic. Manufacturing methods are constantly changing, necessitating the implementation of new analytical tools to identify materials from these labs. Characterization of phosphate, phosphite, and hypophosphite ions is necessary to distinguish the various phosphorus-iodine manufacturing methods that are popular methods for reducing pseudoephedrine to methamphetamine. This work describes a capillary electrophoresis method to separate acetate, azide, bromide, carbonate, chlorate, chloride, chromate, fluoride, hypophosphite, iodide, nitrate, nitrite, perchlorate, phosphate, phosphite, sulfate, sulfite, and thiocyanate. The CElixerOA 8.2 dynamic coating system was modified by lowering the capillary temperature to 15 degrees C and using an acid flush between runs to remove adsorbed materials. This allows detection of ions down to between 10 and 30 parts per million with percent relative standard deviations of normalized migration times under 0.1%. This method is a valuable tool for the characterization of phosphate, phosphite, and hypophosphite in routine analysis of clandestine methamphetamine manufacturing evidence and has a broader application in other areas of forensic analysis.

Clandestine drug laboratories in Australia and the potential for harm

The emphasis in the literature regarding illicit drugs has been overwhelmingly on the subject of harm caused by their ingestion. Little has been reported on the potential and real harm associated with the illicit manufacture of drugs. This paper describes the increasing prevalence of clandestine drug laboratories in Australia, overwhelmingly devoted to the manufacture of methamphetamine. The nature of the illicit synthetic process is reviewed together with its inherent dangers for the ‘cook’, first responders and bystanders including children, and the environment. We have analysed the emerging trends in manufacture and seizure in Australia, and offer suggestions to remedy significant deficiencies in knowledge and policy in the management of clandestine drug laboratories, especially with reference to clinical management issues, data collection, environmental contaminants and remediation, legislation and research. In particular, we conclude that:•The problem of clandestine drug laboratories is growing in Australia, reflecting patterns world‐wide.•There are significant health and environmental implications of this growth.•First responders should ensure that specialised expertise is available when decommissioning detected laboratories.•Clinicians should familiarise themselves with the types of injuries associated with clandestine drug manufacture.•Legislatures without a clandestine drug laboratory registry should establish one.•Where it doesn't exist, legislation should be sought to curb the spread of this unwanted phenomenon.•Significant opportunities exist for further research into the harm caused to first responders, the community and the environment by clandestine laboratories

Structural Determination of the Principal Byproduct of the Lithium-Ammonia Reduction Method of Methamphetamine Manufacture

One common method of illicit methamphetamine manufacture utilizes an alkali metal, typically lithium, and liquid ammonia to chemically reduce ephedrine or pseudoephedrine to form methamphetamine. This method is often referred to as the lithium-ammonia reduction method or the Birch reduction method. While the hydroxyl group of ephedrine is more reactive than the aromatic ring, excess alkali metal and the presence of a proton source allow the formation of a cyclohexadiene byproduct not found in samples of methamphetamine produced from other manufacturing methods. A sample enriched in this byproduct was generated and characterized using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), infrared (IR) spectrophotometry, and ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometry. The chemical structure of this byproduct was determined to be 1-(1',4'-cyclohexadienyl)-2-methylaminopropane (CMP).

Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services Effective for Methamphetamine Abuse

Methamphetamine abuse has become a major public health problem as demonstrated by increases in the number of emergency room visits, substance abuse treatment episodes, and arrests attributable to methamphetamine manufacture and abuse. We examine the effectiveness of conventional substance abuse treatment in the recovery of individuals seeking voluntary treatment for methamphetamine abuse. At the request of the Iowa Department of Public Health, the Iowa Consortium for Substance Abuse Research and Evaluation contacted clients who had been admitted to voluntary treatment for methamphetamine abuse. Staff from the Consortium asked subjects to volunteer for follow-up interviews at designated intervals following admission. Agency staff conducted interviews based on the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) at admission and at designated intervals and reported results to the Consortium for analysis. Subjects were predominantly Caucasian and over one half were female with an average age of 30 years. The criminal justice system was a primary referral source. Reported psychiatric symptoms dropped substantially in the first 60 days following admission and appeared to remain low at 6 and 12 months. Most clients reported abstinence and employment and denied arrests at the 6-month interview. Outcomes were not correlated with psychiatric symptoms. Psychiatric symptoms improved over time with usual substance abuse treatment. There was no evidence that referral by the court system or symptoms of antisocial personality disorder affected outcome. Conventional treatment resulted in sobriety, employment, and fewer arrests at 6 and 12 months following treatment.

Methamphetamine-associated burn injuries: a retrospective analysis.

Methamphetamine production and use has increased dramatically during the past 10 years. Methamphetamine production requires combining hazardous and volatile chemicals that expose the manufacturer to burn injuries from explosions and chemical spills. We sought to review the epidemiology of burn injuries in a rural burn center secondary to the use of amphetamine or methamphetamine and/or the manufacture of methamphetamine. Review of the records of 507 patients who were admitted to our burn unit from December 1, 1998, to December 31, 2001, revealed 34 patients who were involved in the use of amphetamines or methamphetamines and/or the manufacture of methamphetamine. Thirty-one patients tested positive for either amphetamine (n = 2) or methamphetamine (n = 29) on routine admission urine drug screens. Twenty of these patients were involved in the manufacture of methamphetamines. Three additional patients were identified as methamphetamine manufacturers but tested negative for the use of methamphetamines. The mean age of the study population was 31.88 +/- 7.65 years, with a male:female ratio of 10.3:1. The average burn size was 18.86 +/- 20.72, with the majority secondary to flame (n = 26). Patient burn admission histories were vague, and the patient's involvement in the manufacture of methamphetamine was often only later confirmed by media, the fire marshal, family members, or the patient. Fifteen patients showed the usual withdrawal pattern of agitation and hypersomnolence, with seven patients requiring detoxification with benzodiazepines. Two were admitted acutely to the psychiatric ward for uncontrollable agitation. Eighteen patients were offered chemical dependency treatment, and two completed therapy. There was one mortality. The mean cost per person was US 77,580 dollars (range, US 112 dollars - US 426,386 dollars). The increasing use of and manufacture of methamphetamine presents new challenges for the burn team because these patients can become violent and frequently need assistance with detoxification. Routine drug screens are mandatory in identifying methamphetamine use to alert burn unit personnel to particular management problems and target individuals who may be receptive to drug rehabilitation.

Determination of origin of ephedrine used as precursor for illicit methamphetamine by carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratio analysis.

The sale of ephedrine, one of the precursors of methamphetamine, is strictly controlled and monitored in various countries to prevent the production of illicit methamphetamine. There are three kinds of production scheme for ephedrine manufacture, and it is very useful for precursor control to investigate the origin of ephedrine used for the synthesis of illicit methamphetamine. By means of stable isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IR-MS), we investigated the origin of ephedrine based on the delta(13)C and delta(15)N values. The various origins of ephedrine (biosynthetic, semisynthetic, or synthetic) could be discriminated clearly by using these values. The delta(15)N values of synthetic ephedrine were more negative than those of ephedrine from other sources. By the repeated distillation of methylamine in our laboratory, we confirmed that this could be due to isotope separation during distillation for the purification of methylamine used for ephedrine synthesis. The values for ephedrine used as the precursor were well-correlated with those for methamphetamine synthesized from it. This drug characterization analysis should be useful to illuminate the origin of the precursors used for clandestine methamphetamine and to trace the diversion of medicinal ephedrine for illicit manufacture of methamphetamine.

Analysis of red phosphorus using a pyrolysis gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer

A qualitative method has been developed for the analysis of red phosphorus found in clandestine methamphetamine manufacturing laboratories. This method converts the red allotropic form of phosphorus into the white allotropic form of phosphorus using heat (The Merck Index—An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals, eleventh ed., 1989, p. 1167) from a pyrolysis unit. The pyrolysis unit is interfaced to a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer for positive phosphorus identification.

Book of the Month: Karch's Pathology of Drug Abuse

Book of the Month: Karch's Pathology of Drug Abuse

The Impact of Methamphetamine Manufacturing on a Burn Unit

The Impact of Methamphetamine Manufacturing on a Burn Unit

History of the Methamphetamine Problem

Methamphetamine, called meth, crystal, or speed, is a central nervous system stimulant that can be injected, smoked, snorted, or ingested orally; prolonged use at high levels results in dependence. Methamphetamine (MA) is a derivative of amphetamine, which was widely prescribed in the 1950s and 1960s as a medication for depression and obesity. reaching a peak of 31 million prescriptions in the United States in 1967. Until the late 1980s. illicit use and manufacture of MA was endemic to California, but the MA user population has recently broadened in nature and in regional distribution, with increased use occurring in midwestern states. An estimated 4.7 million Americans (2.1% of the U.S. population) have tried MA at some time in their lives. Short-and longterm health effects of MA use include stroke, cardiac arrhythmia, stomach cramps, shaking, anxiety, insomnia, paranoia, hallucinations, and structural changes to the brain. Children of MA abusers are at risk of neglect and abuse, and the use of MA by pregnant women can cause growth retardation. premature birth, and developmental disorders in neonates and enduring cognitive deficits in children. MA-related deaths and admissions to hospital emergency rooms are increasing. Although inpatient hospitalization may be indicated to treat severe cases of long-term MA dependence, optimum treatment for MA abusers relies on an intensive outpatient setting with three to five visits per week of comprehensive counseling for at least the first three months. The burgeoning problems of increased MA use must be addressed by adequate treatment programs suitable for a variety of user types.

Three Fatalities Involving Phosphine Gas, Produced as a Result of Methamphetamine Manufacturing

In August of 1996, Sheriff's deputies investigated the deaths of three individuals suspected to have been overcome by phosphine gas. Phosphine is an extremely toxic gas, and is generally seen in the farming industry where it is used as a grain fumigant. It can also be generated as a by-product during the manufacturing of methamphetamine. Chemicals and equipment consistent with the manufacturing of methamphetamine were noted at the location, as well as an apparent reaction mixture heated to near dryness. Dräger tubes detected an atmospheric phosphine concentration in excess of 0.3 parts per million (ppm), the Threshold Limit Value. Deputies had initially assessed the scene with no protective equipment, raising concerns about phosphine toxicity and the effects of exposure. The objectives of this paper are to describe how phosphine is formed during the manufacture of methamphetamine, to review the toxicity, health effects and symptoms of exposure, to address the safety concerns regarding potential exposure to law enforcement personnel, and to describe the protective equipment available for personnel who respond to clandestine laboratories.

Ephedra's Role as a Precursor in the Clandestine Manufacture of Methamphetamine

Abstract In February 1993, an illicit, fully operational methamphetamine laboratory was confiscated in Vacaville, California. In addition to seizing ephedrine and pseudoephedrine tablets, approximately 1.3 kg of ephedra was found at the lab site. Ephedra (also referred to as Ma Huang) is a plant material that contains numerous alkaloids, including 1-ephedrine and d-pseudoephedrine. Ephedra products are currently sold over-the-counter in various forms such as tablets and capsules. Quantitative analysis reveals that some ephedra capsules and tablets contain as much methamphetamine precursors as a synthetic 25 mg ephedrine tablet. Because of this, ephedra is becoming a “substitute precursor” for ephedrine compounds for use in the illicit manufacture of methamphetamine. Ephedra samples were reacted with hydriodic acid and red phosphorus in much the same way as ephedrine would be reacted in order to produce methamphetamine. The progress of the reduction was monitored by obtaining aliquots of the reaction solution at time intervals followed by analyses using GC/IRD and GC/MS. An analysis of the final product of the reaction indicated that d-metham-phetamine, d-amphetamine and d-N,N-dimethylamphetamine had been produced as a result of the reduction of ephedra. The latter two compounds result from the reduction of norephedrine and N-methylephedrine, respectively (also present in ephedra), and therefore represent markers for this synthetic methodology.

Application of inductively coupled plasma atomic emission and mass spectrometry to forensic analysis of sodium gamma hydroxy butyrate and ephedrine hydrochloride. Invited lecture

The identity and relative amounts of various elements in samples of two compounds, sodium gamma hydroxy butyrate (GHB) and ephedrine hydrochloride (ephedrine), have been used to compare items of evidence. GHB, unapproved for use in the United States, and ephedrine, used in the illicit manufacture of methamphetamine, are currently of interest to law enforcement authorities. In this paper, the analysis of the elemental impurities in GHB by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) has been used to further the investigation of clandestine manufacturing sources. The following elements were detected in samples of GHB: Ba, Ca, Cd, Fe, K, Mg, Ni, P, Pb, Si, Sr, and Zn. Results were used to demonstrate an association between samples of unknown origin. Analysis of samples of ephedrine of known origin from legitimate manufacturers by ICP-mass spectrometry showed that Al, Ba, Mn, Pt, Rb, and Sr were the most useful for discriminating between sources and making direct comparisons. Interpretation of results with respect to the intended use of conclusions derived from those results is discussed.

The Speed Capital of the World: Organizing the Methamphetamine Industry in Philadelphia 1970–1990

Synthetic narcotics have received relatively little attention in the growing scholarly literature on drugs, though synthetics like PCP, amphetamines and “designer” drugs play a major role in the illicit economy. This case-study focuses on the organization of the illicit manufacture and distribution of methamphetamine in the Philadelphia area, which for several years was believed to play a critical role in national production of this drug. There are several important implications for policy. Given the enormous attention paid to the “drug war” in recent years, it becomes imperative to ensure that resources are correctly and effectively targeted. In this context, there has been much debate about the exact role of the Mafia, or “traditional” organized crime. This paper suggests that the Mafia has indeed been extremely important in the narcotics trade, especially through union locals within its control. However, we must also emphasize the role of a wide range of other ethnic groups, often working independently of La Cosa Nostra. Finally, it is suggested that conventional organizational, financial and structural models can be applied to this particular area of illicit business.

Methamphetamine synthesis via hydriodic acid/red phosphorus reduction of ephedrine

The illicit manufacture of methamphetamine from ephedrine via reduction with hydriodic acid and red phosphorus is discussed. The stereochemistry, mechanism, synthetic impurities, and analysis of clandestine methamphetamine samples are addressed.

An investigation of the extraction of methamphetamine from chicken feed, and other myths

Over the years, many allegations have been presented by individuals involved in the clandestine manufacture of amphetamine and methamphetamine centering on the extraction of essential precursors or actual controlled substances from common commercial products. Two such allegations involved the extraction of phenyl-2-propanone, a precursor in the manufacture of amphetamine and methamphetamine, from pesticides, herbicides or photographic chemicals. A third allegation from suspected laboratory operators and confidential informants claimed that amphetamine, methamphetamine and their precursors could be extracted from chicken laying meal. An investigation into these allegations is presented.

ChemInform Abstract: Synthetic Reductions in Clandestine Amphetamine and Methamphetamine Laboratories: A Review

Abstract A review of synthetic reductions utilized in the clandestine manufacture of amphetamine and methamphetamine is presented. General discussions on the mechanism of heterogeneous catalysis, dissolving metals, hydrides and non-metal reductions used in the manufacture of amphetamine and methamphetamine with over 80 references are presented.

Lithium-Ammonia Reduction of Ephedrine to Methamphetamine: An Unusual Clandestine Synthesis

Abstract A suspected clandestine methamphetamine laboratory was seized in Vacaville, California. Ephedrine, a precursor for the manufacture of methamphetamine, was discovered at the site. However, the chemicals normally expected to be found at an ephedrine conversion laboratory were not recovered. Other chemicals found at the scene included tetrahydrofuran, ammonium chloride, lithium metal, and ammonia gas. Examination of the suspect's notes showed several different common synthesis routes to methamphetamine and a novel route utilizing a lithium/ammonia/ammonium chloride reduction. The reduction of ephedrine to methamphetamine using this dissolving metal procedure has not been reported in the literature. The authors reproduced the suspect's reaction scheme and found the lithium/ammonia/ammonium chloride reduction of ephedrine to be a viable synthesis for methamphetamine.