Advisories to the Public

ALERT: Iodine is Being Used to Make Methamphetamine

July 22, 1999

The purpose of this Alert is to report recent developments in chemical diversion to industry.  It is DEA's intention to provide Alert summaries periodically in order to assist industry in complying with legislation.

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 fast becoming a major drug problem in the United States. We are asking all businesses engaged in the sale of iodine products to be aware of the use of iodine by clandestine methamphetamine laboratory operators.

Criminal elements routinely use iodine in the illicit production of methamphetamine. DEA is aware that these criminals are searching for sources of supply for iodine. In some instances, distributors have reported the theft of iodine from chemical storage facilities.

This notice is being provided to:

1. Make you aware that iodine became a federally regulated List II chemical on 10/3/96 under the Comprehensive Methamphetamine Control Act of 1996. 
2. Make you aware that iodine is being used to clandestinely produce methamphetamine. 
3. Encourage all distributors of iodine to know their customer before they unwittingly become a supplier to a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory, and report all suspicious activity to your closest law enforcement agency, and 
4. Advise all distributors of iodine that it is unlawful for any person to knowingly or intentionally manufacture, distribute, export, or import any equipment, chemical, product, or material which may be used to manufacture a controlled substance or listed chemical or 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...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.