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Chemical Program
> Advisories to the Public > Red
Phosphorus, White Phosphorus and Hypophosphorous Are Being Used to
Make Methamphetamine
RED PHOSPHORUS, WHITE PHOSPHORUS AND HYPOPHOSPHOROUS
ACID ARE BEING USED TO MAKE METHAMPHETAMINE
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and numerous state/local law
enforcement authorities throughout the United States, have noted an
alarming trend involving illicit methamphetamine production.
Methamphetamine (AKA speed, crank or meth) is a major drug problem in the
United States. All businesses engaged in the sale of red phosphorus, white
phosphorus and hypophosphorous acid products should be aware of the use of
these products by clandestine methamphetamine laboratory operators.
Criminal elements routinely use these List I chemicals in the illicit
production of methamphetamine. DEA is aware that these criminals are
searching for sources of supply for these List I chemicals.
This notice is being provided to:
- Make you aware that these products became federally regulated List I
chemicals on 11/16/01 under the Comprehensive Methamphetamine Control
Act of 1996 and records are required for all transactions.
- Remind all distributors of these products that they must obtain
identifying information on their customer and that they must know
their customer to avoid unwittingly becoming a supplier to a
clandestine methamphetamine laboratory, and report all suspicious
orders to your closest law enforcement agency, and
- Advise all distributors of these List I chemicals that it is
unlawful for any person knowingly or intentionally to manufacture,
distribute, export, or import any equipment, chemical, product, or
material which may be used to manufacture a controlled substance or
listed chemical, knowing, intending, or having reasonable cause to
believe that it will be used to manufacture a controlled substance or
listed chemical in violation of the Controlled Substance Act…21
U.S.C. 843(a)(7). Persons who violate 21 U.S.C. 843(a)(7) may be
subject to criminal or civil penalties.
Law enforcement authorities are asking for your cooperation in this
matter.
Revised 5/01/03
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