Identification and associated hazards of clandestine drug laboratories

AbstractThe production of illicit drugs at clandestine laboratory operations is a world‐wide problem with many associated public health hazards. This review describes many laboratory types that might be encountered by the clandestine laboratory response personnel, describing the materials and processes associated with different clandestine laboratories to aid in awareness and hazard identification. Clandestine laboratories generally create products according to market forces, including the end‐user expectations with regard to product appearance (e.g., as solid or liquid, in powder or tablet formulation) and potency. The clandestine laboratories use different materials, and processes depending on the laboratory's access to precursors, their ability to produce quantities sufficient to meet market demands, and also their ability to circumvent local, national and international laws and regulations. The information presented here is aimed at both laboratory‐based scientists and analysts who have to understand the classical methods for production, which are still used, and consider novel methods using alternative precursors. It is important to be cognizant of the emerging drugs and drug analogues, how these are considered under the law, and how they can be safely collected for analysis. Clandestine laboratory responders must consider the information presented here from the perspective of the risks associated with the drugs, precursors, waste materials and equipment. As clandestine laboratories and drug markets are constantly evolving, responders need to consistently pursue ongoing education, research, and collaboration with the constant review and assessment of the emerging drugs and precursors seized during operations and reported on regional and international forums.This article is categorized under: Forensic Chemistry and Trace Evidence > Controlled and Emerging Drug Compounds Toxicology > Drug Analysis Crime Scene Investigation > Crime Scene Examination