(Page 3 of 8 in this section)

The Domestic Meth Superlab Explained

As we said earlier, the trend we're beginning to see develop is the rise of the domestic "superlab."   These types of labs are professional, well-organized, high output facilities that are more likely to be found in the wealthiest sections of town than a trailer park.  And as many in law enforcement report, these labs are much, much harder to detect than the "mom and pop" meth labs were. This type of domestic lab is usually broken down into three or more "sub-labs." So typically, they're not single entities and are usually part of a much larger network.  As a result, the methods used to bring them down are different, the danger to law enforcement is higher, and of course, it's much more expensive over all.

Why A Domestic Superlab?

So why would someone risk large-scale production of meth domestically when it's freely available from hundreds of meth superlabs in Mexico, or off-shore?  Well frankly, the answer is "greed."  Owing to greed, some people don't want to even be "first tier" meth dealers (usually one to three positions away from the original manufacturer.)  And so the thinking is, "If we're going to risk producing meth domestically in the U.S. or Canada, since even a little production gets you big jail or prison time, why not go big?"  Hence, the domestic superlab.

Not All Meth Labs Are Created Equal

Most people seem to be under the assumption that the only distinction between meth labs are their method of production and potential output, but there's a bit more to it.  There are three types of "labs" or processes that can come into play with the larger-scale manufacture of methamphetamine if each phase of the manufacture of methamphetamine is handled by a separate lab.  This type of operation would be broken down into the three functions described below and conceivably, each function could take place at a geographically separate place.  Here's the breakdown:

The Phases Of Methamphetamine Production

Phase One - The Meth "Extraction" Lab

While pharmaceutical grade ephedrine can be used directly in the meth manufacture process, pseudoephedrine (the most popular precursor) is usually shipped in tablet or capsule form and as such, is not suitable for direct manufacture.  So before starting the actual synthesis of meth, the function of the extraction lab is to separate the pseudoephedrine from the "tablet binder" impurities.  These are the chemicals that must be removed that are actually holding the tablet or capsule together.  We know exactly how this is done, however our goal is to inform people, not turn them into meth cooks, so we'll leave it at that.  Suffice to say that after extraction, you are left with an "extracted percentage" of pseudoephedrine which can then be used exactly as you would use pure precursor.

Phase Two - The Meth "Synthesis" Lab

The next process is the "synthesis" of the meth and there are a wide variety of methods to accomplish this.  Again, we don't want to serve as a meth cookbook, so we're going to intentionally be very general.  And please take note - it's during the synthesis phase of meth production that a meth lab poses the most danger for explosions and fires.  That's because during this phase, chemical reactions are taking place with highly volatile, flammable and corrosive ingredients and/or heating processes being applied.

So here are some methods of meth synthesis that are used.

Hydriodic acid/red phosphorus:

The principal chemicals in this method are ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, hydriodic acid, and red phosphorus. This method of meth production can yield multi-pound quantities of high quality methamphetamine and is currently one of the most popular methods domestically.

Iodine/red phosphorus: (Also known as "Red P" Method of making meth)

The principal chemicals are ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, iodine, and red phosphorus. The required hydriodic acid in this variation of the hydriodic acid/red phosphorus method is produced by the reaction of iodine in water with red phosphorus. This method yields high quality methamphetamine. Another iodine/red phosphorus method, limited to small production batches, is called the "cold cook" method of making meth because instead of actively heating the chemicals, they're placed in a passive heat environment such as the sun.

Iodine/hypophosphorous acid:

The principal chemicals in this method are ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, iodine, and hypophosphorous acid. The required hydriodic acid in this variation of the hydriodic acid/red phosphorus method is produced by the reaction of iodine in water with hypophosphorous acid. Known as the "hypo" method of making meth, this method yields lower quality methamphetamine. Hypophosphorous acid is more prone than red phosphorus to cause a fire and can produce deadly phosphine gas.

"Reactive Metal," "Birch," Or "Nazi" Method Of Making Meth:

This is a fast method of meth production.  The principal chemicals are ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, anhydrous ammonia, and sodium, potassium, or lithium metal. Also known as the "Nazi method," because it was used by the Germans in World War II.  This method typically yields ounce quantities of high quality methamphetamine and often is used by independent dealers and producers in your typical mom and pop operation. 

The last two methods of methamphetamine production are the Phenyl-2-propanone and Low Pressure "Hydro-Genation" Method.  These are outlined on the next page.

Top Of Page

| 1 | 2 | Previous Pages<<<                                             >>>Next Page (4)