How is Meth Made?
Process | Products

Meth is both imported and manufactured locally. For many years, meth primarily has been imported into the United States as a finished drug from Mexico, and more recently from other countries as well, including Canada, China, and Southeast Asia. In addition, it also has been made locally, principally from bulk quantities of chemicals illegally smuggled into this country.

These bulk chemicals—most notably pseudoephedrine and ephedrine—are used by “super labs,” defined as laboratories capable of making more than 10 pounds of methamphetamine in 24 hours.According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, these large-capacity facilities produce most of the methamphetamine made in this country.

However, the production of methamphetamine has changed significantly during the past 10 years. Law enforcement authorities have seen a substantial increase in the number of small labs where meth cooks use “recipes,” often found online, to create small amounts of the drug from legitimate household products. While these small homemade labs produce a tiny fraction of the meth a “super lab” may produce, they present a huge danger to the communities in which they operate.

Toxic, hazardous, and explosive chemicals are by-products of the production process, and have a devastating effect on the environment, communities, and the children who are often present. Because of the hazards they produce, these types of labs are called “small toxic labs” by law enforcement officials.

What Products Are Used To Make Meth?

The following products are among the ingredients and materials used to make meth:

Ephedrine or pseudoephedrine (cold or allergy tablets) Lithium batteries Starter Fluid Rock or table salt Drain cleaner Camping fuel Sulfuric Acid Acetone Gas additives Paint thinner Iodine Brake Cleaner Toluene Muriatic Acid

Anhydrous Ammonia Matchbooks Coffee Filters Aluminum Foil Assorted glassware Propane Tanks Coolers Plastic Soda Bottles