Clandestine Meth Labs Sprouting Across India

Clandestine Meth Labs Sprouting Across India

Mangalore Today News Network

By Dr. G. Shreekumar Menon

Mangaluru, Nov 1, 2024: In an episode straight out of the iconic American TV serial show ’Breaking Bad’, a chemistry student in Chennai found himself in the role of real-life Walter White, hired to manufacture meth by a drug syndicate. A group of students had set up a secret laboratory in Chennai city to produce the highly addictive drug- Methamphetamine, popularly known as meth—a substance infamous for its highly addictive and hazardous nature. However, their plans were foiled when the Chennai police busted their operations leading to the arrest of seven students. Among those arrested were engineering graduates and a postgraduate student of Chemistry studying at a prestigious college in Chennai. He was also a gold medallist in his Bachelor of Science course at another institution!

Clandestine drug dens, are often nestled in rented homes, churn out Methamphetamine, popularly known as meth—a highly addictive stimulant drug that dramatically affects the central nervous system. Meth comes in several forms, including powder, crystal, rocks, and tablets.   When it comes in the crystal form it is called “crystal meth.” It is usually illegally produced and distributed.

 
Many such home-labs have been detected in India, in Greater Noida’s sprawling but less densely populated residential areas, coupled with easy access to Delhi, making it an ideal location for illicit drug manufacturing. In 2023, in two linked raids on May 16 and May 30, police seized over 75 kg of MDMA, also known as ecstasy or molly, and arrested about a dozen foreigners from residential houses where full-fledged labs were set up for cooking meth. The meth seized in these raids was collectively valued at over Rs 350 crores. Police further found that the meth, in its pure form, was cooked by foreigners operating at the lower echelons of the syndicate. The houses rented by the foreigners were in isolated locations with open areas on at least three sides, ensuring that the pungent smell from the meth cooking doesn’t alert nearby residents, as the manufacturing process also generates toxic fumes.  These fumes can severely harm anyone exposed to them.  Meth labs also generate highly explosive gases.

Unlike drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, and heroin, which are derived from plants, meth is manufactured using a variety of chemicals, bought from local shops. Methamphetamine production involves many easily obtained chemicals. The most common ingredient in meth is pseudoephedrine or ephedrine, commonly found in cold medicine.  Through a cooking process the pseudoephedrine or ephedrine is chemically changed into meth.  The ingredients that are used in the process of making meth can include: ether, paint thinner, Freon, acetone, anhydrous ammonia, iodine crystals, red phosphorus, drain cleaner, battery acid, and lithium (taken from inside batteries).

Currently, most methamphetamine in the world is produced by transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) in Mexico. This methamphetamine is highly pure, potent, and low in price. But, the drug is often made in small clandestine laboratories, with relatively inexpensive over-the-counter ingredients such as pseudoephedrine, a common ingredient in cold medications.

The lab cooking process may generate airborne chemical dusts and vapours, which could result in sufficient exposure to produce illness.  Air concentrations of chemicals may vary considerably depending on the lab process and quantity of chemicals present.  Another potential serious risk of chemical exposure may occur if occupants set up chemical “booby traps" in an effort to injure or disable potential raids by enforcement agencies.

The risk of human exposure to chemicals varies considerably depending on the lab process, quantity and form of chemicals, and other exposure factors. Toxicity from these chemicals can remain in the environment around a methamphetamine production lab long after the lab has been shut down, causing a wide range of damaging effects to health.

Also, a lab that is actively producing drugs presents a much greater potential hazard than a building that formerly housed a lab. A laboratory that is functioning presents the greatest risk of adverse health effects for occupants and enforcement officers.  If a building is discovered to be a clandestine drug lab containing chemicals and laboratory hardware, it is considered unsafe for entry except by trained experts wearing appropriate personal protective equipment.

Danger of explosion and fire are a serious risk due to large amounts of solvents that may be present upon entering a lab building.  A large accidental or deliberate spill of chemicals could result in air concentrations great enough to be lethal or to produce symptoms of illness from inhaling solvents or corrosives.  Immediate injury with onset of symptoms from chemical exposure is the most significant health risk related to methamphetamine manufacture.  

After removing illicit laboratory equipment and chemicals, residual amounts of some chemical substances may persist on building surfaces and furnishings prior to clean-up or decontamination.  Substances present in the active lab, including gases or volatile solvents, will dissipate rapidly with ventilation unless large amounts of exposed chemicals remain.

Using meth causes an increase in energy and alertness, a decrease in appetite, and an intense euphoric “rush.” Meth reduces the amount of protective saliva around the teeth. Meth users also consume excess sugared, carbonated soft drinks, tend to neglect personal hygiene, grind their teeth and clench their jaws, leading to what is commonly called “meth mouth.”

 
All the toxic chemicals used in the meth manufacturing process take a toll on the environment.  Every kilogram of meth made can generate up to five kilograms of toxic waste that may seep into the soil and groundwater. The manufacturing process also generates toxic fumes.  These fumes can severely harm anyone exposed to them.  Meth labs also generate highly explosive gases.

A fairly common hallucination experienced by meth users is the so-called crank bug.  The user gets the sensation that there are insects creeping on top of, or underneath, her skin.  The user will pick at or scratch the skin trying to get rid of the imaginary bugs. This scratching can create open sores that may become infected.

What is worrisome is the induction of qualified engineering and chemical graduates, for producing meth. The temptation of quick easy money, is attracting youth into this dangerous trade, and students have the capability of using school laboratories to manufacture drugs. Enforcement agencies need to keep strict vigil on school and college chemistry laboratories, which have the potential to be misused, for manufacturing Methamphetamine.

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Dr. G. Shreekumar Menon, IRS (Rtd), Ph.D. (Narcotics)

Former Director General of National Academy of Customs Indirect Taxes and Narcotics & Multi-Disciplinary School Of Economic Intelligence India; Fellow, James Martin Centre For Non Proliferation Studies, USA; Fellow, Centre for International Trade & Security, University of Georgia, USA; Public Administration, Maxwell School of Public Administration, Syracuse University, U.S.A.; AOTS Scholar, Japan. He can be contacted at shreemenon48@gmail.com