OVERVIEW
ICE is the latest nightmare of the growing list of designer drugs. It is a comparatively new form of methamphetamine recently introduced into the U.S. Named for its ice-like appearance, ICE is the crystalline form of d-methamphetamine hydrochloride (HCI).
Unlike cocaine, which is derived from the coca plant and chemically processed, ICE is
synthetically produced from chemicals. While distinctive in its rock crystal appearance,
ICE is chemically identical to the powder and tablet forms of methamphetamine.
ICE is typically smoked in a glass pipe where it is melted, vaporized, and inhaled to give an
almost instantaneous rush directly to the brain. Although more expensive than cocaine on
the street, ICE is effectively cheaper since it produces highs lasting from 12 to 24 hours
compared to 20 minutes for cocaine; moreover, the portion remaining after a "hit" can be
cooled down and reused.
The ill effects of ICE are severe and extensive. It can be instantly addictive and has an
enormous range of harmful effects on the mind and body, including death.
The wide range of toxic chemicals used in the manufacture of ICE result in dangerous and
long-lasting effects to the environment. These include hazardous and illicitly-dumped
waste, polluted water, and heavily contaminated laboratory sites. The clandestine
laboratories are abandoned for reasons of either accumulating danger to the operators or
avoidance of eventual detection.
While a number of elements of logistic evidence can suggest the existence of an illicit ICE
lab, the toxic hazards of on-site investigation by law enforcement officers require
specially-trained personnel wearing protective clothing to insure safety.
In view of the comparatively early stage of its production and usage, ICE distribution is
fragmented and non-centralized and its potential has not yet been recognized or exploited
by Organized Crime.
Similarly, the Federal government has yet to develop a national strategy for ICE
suppression. Accordingly, a timely, coordinated and comprehensive plan could well seize
the initiative from Organized Crime and prevent ICE usage from reaching the proportions
of cocaine.
ICE
Within the last several years, the term "ICE" has become synonymous on the west coast
and in Hawaii with a colorless, odorless form of crystal methamphetamine resembling
broken fragments of glass, rock candy, Hawaiian salt or ice shavings.
All of the exhibits of ICE analyzed thus far by the DEA Western Regional Laboratory have
been d-methamphetamine hydrochloride (HCI) with purity levels of 90-100%. For the
purpose of this report, all references to ICE, unless otherwise stated, will refer to the large
clear rock-like crystals of d-methamphetamine HCI.
Until recently, ICE had been produced exclusively in the Far East. In point of fact,
methamphetamine, the first amphetamine derivative of any significance, was synthesized in
1919 by a Japanese chemist. It was in post-World War II Japan that methamphetamine
use became prevalent.
Production of crystal methamphetamine has occurred in the Far East, principally in Korea,
for many decades. Intensified Korean law enforcement efforts applied in recent years
appears to have forced Korean laboratory operators to shift their operations to Taiwan and
possibly the Philippines.
Attempts to smuggle ICE from Taiwan and Korea into Hawaii can be documented back to
the mid-1980's. In the summer of 1988, its use became relatively widespread in Hawaii,
and paralleled the crack summer of '88 in the continental United States.
There is no indication that, when ICE was first imported from the Far East into Hawaii,
there were efforts underway to distribute it as a new drug. Now, however, ICE is sold
under the misconception that it is the only smokeable form of methamphetamine. The
drug's rapid onset of action (estimated to be approximately seven seconds) is similar to that
of crack. The duration, however, of the euphoric effect is reported to last much longer. It
is not uncommon for the effects of ICE to last for as long as 12 to 24 hours.
The going wholesale price for ICE in Hawaii is $65,000 per kilogram or $40,000 a pound.
Prices for ICE at the retail level are comparable to those for heroin. The retail level prices
for domestic ICE are as follows:
Ounce $3,600 - $7,000
1/2 ounce $2,000 - $4,000
1/4 ounce $1,000 - $1,250
1/8 ounce $800 - $900
1 gram $200 - $400
1/2 gram $150 - $250
1/4 gram $100 - $150
10 gram $50
a paper $50
Distribution of ICE is rapidly presenting the same problems to Hawaiian law
enforcementofficers that crack did in many metropolitan areas of the continental United
States in its prevalence and addiction potential.
Although, as stated earlier, there has been a great deal of publicity concerning this form of
crystal methamphetamine, actual distribution at this time appears to be somewhat limited.
The trafficking of ICE from the Far East to Hawaii began in 1984 when U.S. undercover
agents and members of the Yamaguchigumi Group of the Yakuza (Japanese organized
crime) arranged for the delivery of 40 kilograms of ICE and eight kilograms of heroin to
Honolulu. A Chinese national residing in Hong Kong was arrested upon arrival in
Honolulu for possession of 15 pounds of ICE. That was the first documented seizure of
ICE.
One of the largest ICE distribution networks discovered is of Korean chemists. It is
believed they operated a clandestine laboratory in the Portland, Oregon area which
funneled multi-kilogram quantities of ICE via Seattle, Washington to a Filipino smuggling
network based in Hawaii. Additionally, Korean chemists operating out of Taiwan also
provided ICE to this same distribution network.
On October 12-13, 1989 DEA agents on the East Coast effected the arrest of two Korean
violators and seized 900 grams of ICE. Information indicates that the ICE was smuggled
from Korea.
A controlled delivery of ICE was made to Bozeman, Montana from LAX airport on
September 29, 1989, with subsequent delivery to Gallatin Field, Montana. Two individuals
were arrested and 1/2 gram of ICE was seized.
Preliminary investigative review has indicated areas of distribution include Seattle,
Washington; Portland, Oregon; Los Angeles, San Francisco (including Contra Costa and
Solano Counties, Haight Asbury, Sacramento, Polk Gulch and Fort Mason areas) and San
Diego, California.
In many areas of the country, the term crank, speed or crystal is used interchangeably to
describe methamphetamine; however, regional variations exist. White powder may be
called crystal while the term "crank" or "speed" distinguishes the pill variety of
methamphetamine. In Honolulu, however, crank refers to the powdered form of
methamphetamine and the term crystal connotes "ICE" or the rock form of crystal
methamphetamine.
Other terms used to refer to ICE include:
a. quartz
b. glass
c. Shabu (Japanese)
d. Kaksonjae (Korean)
e. Hiropon (Korean)
f. Batu (Filipino Tagalog word meaning rock)
g. crack meth
h. ice cream
Methamphetamine is sold in glass vials, paper bundles, or clear heat-sealed cellophane
packets. Common paraphernalia include syringes for the user who injects his drugs and
glass smoking pipes.
Users refer to smoking ICE as a "cool smoke" as opposed to a "hot smoke" associated with
crack smoking. The reasoning behind this may be that the vapor produced from heating
the crystal methamphetamine is white or clean as opposed to the "dirty" brown color
produced from smoking crack. Moreover, because methamphetamine has a lower melting
point, it does not require as much heat to be applied. An ICE user reportedly can take a
hit or two, then wrap the pipe in a cold towel or paper, thus, recrystallizing the residue for
future use.
Several factors are believed to contribute to the growing popularity of ICE.
* it is similar in quality to, or better than, meth for injection
* smoking ICE eliminates the use of a needle
* it enters the body faster when it is smoked
* its effects are long lasting when compared to other drugs
* it is odorless, colorless and tasteless
* it is easy to transport
* it sells for more than cocaine but is cheaper to produce
ABUSE
When methamphetamine is smoked it is extremely volatile. That volatility delivers a highly
concentrated dose of pure d-methamphetamine HCI instantaneously to the brain via the
lungs. The effects are believed to be even more intense than with crack because of the
chemical property and the lower melting point of methamphetamine. ICE may be
addictive with practically the first smoke and can be fatal.
The most dramatic effect of this drug use is weight loss. Paranoia and hallucinations follow
with much variation according to user tolerance. Psychotic breaks often result in users
entering treatment programs. Other side effects such as rapid respiratory and cardiac
rates and increased body temperature were reported in many cases, also complaints
ranging from mild anxiety to acute hypertensive crisis, and violence.
Most frequently, the principal feature is an acute psychosis in chronic users, with auditory
hallucinations and extreme paranoia. Often these patients demonstrate destructive
behavior. Most patients coming into the emergency room are suffering from drug-induced
psychosis and violent behavior similar to the effects of cocaine.
HOW TO IDENTIFY
Methamphetamine is normally found as a white powder or as a translucent crystal similar
in appearance to "rock candy" or Hawaiian salt. "Rock crank" is a very pure form of
methamphetamine. Chemists allow their finished product to dry into huge crystal chunks
which are broken into ounce rocks and left uncut for sale. The color and consistency of the
final product is usually determined by the formula and amount of washing. As an example,
green meth is the result of reaction done in a copper hydrogenator.
Most prevalent is the translucent or clear rock crystal. This form of meth is said to be
water based and burns quickly leaving a milky white residue. Reports also show that a
yellowish crystal meth is also available. This form of meth is said to be oil based. Yellow
meth is also said to burn slower and last longer leaving behind a brownish or black residue.
PARAPHERNALIA
The methamphetamine pipe has only one section where the methamphetamine is placed
and heated. There are no screens and no coolants in the meth pipe. The pipes used for
smoking meth usually have a hole on the top of the bowl leading to the main chamber and
may have a vent hole on the stem between the chamber, where the crystal is placed, and the
mouthpiece.
A small amount of ICE is placed into the chamber and heated with a lighter or other heat
source until it turns to a liquid and, subsequently, a vapor. The opening in the chamber
and vent hole is sealed, usually with a finger, while the crystal is being heated. Once the
crystal has turned to a vapor, it is inhaled by the user. An ICE smoker can often be
identified by the telltale burn mark on the finger used to seal the hole in the main chamber.
CLANDESTINE LABORATORY DEFINED
A clandestine laboratory is a covert or secret, illegal operation that produces a controlled
substance through the synthesis of raw chemicals. This is accomplished through the use of
specific laboratory glassware and apparatus or make-shift "cooking" pots, depending on
the sophistication of the operation.
Set-up of labs is preferable in rural areas because of laboratory smells, consumer comings
and goings, and occasional explosions are less likely to draw attention in the country.
However, clandestine labs can be found anywhere; houses, apartments, farmhouses,
abandoned buildings, cars, moving vans, almost any imaginable place is a candidate.
Clandestine laboratories may be categorized into four general types based on the type of
process that is required. These types are:
1. Extraction: the raw plant material is changed into a finished drug product by the use of chemical solvents. The chemical structure of the drug is not altered.
Examples:
Cannabis to hashish
Hashish to hashish oil
Opium to morphine
2. Conversion: a raw or unrefined drug product is changed into a finished or refined
drug. Here the chemical structure is changed. Examples:
Morphine to heroin (diacetylmorphine)
Cocaine base to cocaine hydrochloride
3. Synthesis: a combination of proper raw materials in required portions results in a finished drug product through chemical reaction:
Examples:
Chemicals to methamphetamine (speed, crank),
phencyclidine, LSD, etc.
4. Tableting: the machine processing of the final drug product into a dosage unit form (tablet).
CLANDESTINE LABORATORY NEEDS
1. Privacy to conceal the illegal activity itself. Operations are at odd hours and include
foot and vehicular traffic; machinery noise if using a tablet press; and most important,
concealment of chemical odors.
2. Utilities such as water, electricity and gas. This will depend upon the type of drug being
manufactured as specific drugs require some, all, or none of the foregoing.
3. Basic raw materials (chemicals).
Law enforcement officers should be aware that lab activity may be ongoing if they
come across unusual activity such as:
1. Continuous night operation not usual in the neighborhood.
2. Large fans on property.
3. Unusual odors, etc.
ENVIRONMENTIllegal drug labs are creating a toxic-waste nightmare. Labs set up in
rented houses, motel rooms and remote forests are leaving a trail of tons of discarded,
dangerous chemicals. The chemical raw ingredients range from toxic substances such as
hydrogen-chloride gas and lead acetate, to explosive and inflammable materials as ether
and red phosphorous. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is spending
some $5 million to $8 million annually to have private contractors haul waste from raided
labs.
The wastes are not only a serious long-term problem, but also an acute hazard to law
enforcement officers who carry out raids on the labs.
Adding insult to possible injury, the enforcement agencies find that raiding a lab can make
them responsible for its waste. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) even ruled
that the DEA is technically the "generator" of meth lab waste that it discovers, making
DEA legally liable for the cleanup.
Many believe that the best way to cut into the meth market and the waste it produces is to
restrict sales of the so-called precursor chemicals used to make methamphetamine. Several
states now require dealers to get permits to sell these chemicals and keep records of exactly
who is buying them. Congress put similar record-keeping requirements in last fall's drug
law.
OFFICER SAFETY
Several chemicals involved in methamphetamine production present a danger of injury
from fire or explosion. At the lab site there are possible risks of exposure to infectious
disease in the event of skin puncture by drug paraphernalia. In addition, risk of injury or
toxicity from chemical exposure may occur by inhalation, skin exposure, or ingestion.
Inhalation and/or skin exposure should be of significant concern to officers exposed to the
clandestine laboratory environment. Inhalation or skin exposure may result in injury from
corrosive substances, with symptoms of shortness of breath, cough, chest pain, etc., or
burns to the skin. Many solvents are well absorbed by the lungs into the body, and if the
dose is sufficient, may result in symptoms of intoxication, dizziness, nausea, etc.
The skin, to a lesser extent, may also absorb some solvents if chemicals remain in direct
contact for a significant amount of time.
Drugs produced in clandestine labs contain a plethora of contaminants and by-products which do not have predictable side effects. As chemical controls become more prevalent, it may be anticipated that the clandestine chemist will resort to more
exotic methods of production, resulting in the creation of contaminants and by-products
with unexpected and potentially serious adverse effects with whom the chemicals come in
contact.
Active Lab
A laboratory that is functioning and supplied with chemicals presents the greatest risk of
adverse health effects for occupants and emergency responders. If a building is discovered
to be a clandestine drug lab containing chemicals and laboratory hardware, it should be
considered unsafe for entry except by trained personnel utilizing appropriate personal
protective equipment.
However, should exigent circumstances prevail, and entry must be made into the lab:
DO NOT TURN ANYTHING ON OR OFF
DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING
DO NOT SMOKE AT THE SCENE
DO NOT USE PORTABLE RADIOS OR ELECTRONIC DEVICES
WHILE IN CLOSE PROXIMITY OF THE LAB
Danger of explosion and fire comprise the greatest risk from chemicals due to large
amounts of solvents that may be present upon entering the building. A large accidental or
deliberate spill of chemicals could result in ambient air concentrations great enough to
produce symptoms from inhalation of solvents, corrosives, or cyanide. The lab cooking
process may generate airborne contamination which could result in significant amounts of
toxic gases being inhaled as well.
Ambient concentrations of chemicals have not been measured at the active clandestine lab
environment and may vary considerably depending on the lab process and quantity of
chemicals present. A potentially serious risk of chemical exposure may occur in the event
that occupants set up chemical "booby traps" in an effort to injure or disable potential
intruders.
Acute injury with immediate onset of symptoms from a massive chemical exposure is the
most significant health risk related to methamphetamine manufacture.
Fire, explosion, inhalation of fumes and skin contact with chemicals are the most immediate
dangers in an operating laboratory or a lab dump site. Fumes from many of the chemicals
are explosively flammable, therefore, electrical sparks and open flames should be avoided.
Do not flip switches or pull electrical plugs from outlets. Extinguish all pilot lights on water
heaters and stoves. Anyone near an illegal laboratory should wear personal protective
clothing.
Concentrated inorganic acids such as hydrochloric, sulfuric, and nitric, are generally found
in laboratories. Skin contact with these acids results in severe burns and inhalation of
vapors causes irritation of mucous membranes and respiratory tract. These acids are water
soluble and can be washed away with large amounts of water. Baking soda can be used to
neutralize the action of the acid.
Strong bases such as sodium hydroxide (lye) and methylamine are another group of
chemicals found in laboratories which are a hazard. Skin contact and inhalation should be
avoided because of their corrosive nature. Washing with large amounts of water may not
always remove the base; it may be necessary to wash with a weak acid solution such as
vinegar or boric acid.
In some synthesis, such as methamphetamine and phencyclidine (PCP), the actual reaction
apparatus may be minimal, involving only a container and a stirring mechanism. In more
complex synthesis, law enforcement officers may encounter laboratory equipment set up to
accommodate reaction steps that may involve high pressure, vacuum, heating, or cooling.
If compressed gas is being fed into the setup, it can be shut off at the main valve at the top of the gas cylinder. The regulator off to the side of the tank serves to stepdown the pressure from the tank to that required for the reaction. If there is a pressure gauge built into the regulator, a gradual but complete drop in pressure will signal that the system is at atmospheric pressure and the danger is reduced.
If the reaction apparatus is under vacuum, the vacuum pump can be shut off. After
perhaps 15 to 30 minutes, enough air will leak into the system so that the vacuum hoselines
between the pump and reaction systems can be disconnected.
Many chemical reactions require an external source of heat. Most often the heat will be
supplied electrically by a hot plate or heating mantle. Turning off the heat supply should
cause the reaction to gradually come to a halt. If the reaction apparatus is fitted with a
cooling condenser, do not turn off the coolant (usually tap water) until the apparatus has
reached room temperature.
A chemical reaction that produces heat is a more hazardous situation. The reaction should
be allowed to go to completion before the coolant is removed. The reaction can be packed
in ice for transport. The reaction apparatus should be at room temperature and
atmospheric pressure before attempting to dismantle any of the interconnected pieces of
apparatus.
There are a number of particularly hazardous compounds which deserve specific
recognition.
1. ETHER, an extremely flammable liquid, tends to form explosive peroxides especially
when evaporated to dryness. Empty or nearly empty ether cans should be handled with
extreme caution. Peroxides may be removed by shaking ether with 5% aqueous ferrous
sulfate.
2. LITHIUM ALUMINUM HYDRIDE can be used in the synthesis of amphetamine,
methamphetamine, mescaline and DMT. Lithium aluminum hydride is a highly unstable
compound which reacts violently with moisture or heat. To prevent fire and/or explosion,
it is imperative to keep any moisture (even that in the air and on skin) or source of heat
away from this reagent. VITRIDE has recently replaced lithium aluminum hydride in
some laboratories. It should be handled with the same precautions as LITHIUM
ALUMINUM HYDRIDE.
3. MERCURIC CHLORIDE (or BROMIDE) are violent poisons. Avoid breathing the
dust of these chemicals. Skin contact will result in retention of these compounds in the
body forever.
4. SODIUM (or POTASSIUM) CYANIDE is used in the synthesis of PCP and phenylacetic acid (chemical used to make speed). When they come in contact with acid, cyanide easily form hydrogen cyanide gas, the gas used in gas chambers. Hydrogen cyanide gas has the odor of almonds. Even when the solid crystals of cyanide are present, make sure the area is well ventilated.
5. RANEY NICKEL, which is used as a catalyst in the synthesis of amphetamine and
cocaine, should be handled with extreme care. Raney Nickel ignites on contact with air. It
should be stored in alcohol, ether, or water.
6. SODIUM is a soft shiny metal which, when exposed to air, becomes dull gray. Sodium
reacts violently with water.
7. HYDRIODIC ACID, which is a reducing agent used in the ephedrine method of
producing methamphetamine, is extremely corrosive and can cause major tissue damage,
respiratory collapse and death.
Although the risk of acute injury is possible from exposure to chemicals at an active lab
site, risk of chronic toxicity or carcinogenesis is remote. Chemically induced cancers only
occur following long term exposures in the industrial setting.
Former Lab
After removal of the illicit laboratory equipment and chemicals, residual amounts of some
substances may persist on building surfaces and furnishings prior to cleanup or
decontamination.
Some of the dangerous chemicals include:
Phenyl-2-Propanone (P2P) which penetrates deep into wood, sheet rock, and any porous
material, making it extremely difficult to remove.
Phosphine gas created by the reaction between red phosphorous ephedrine, and is 33 times more deadly than cyanide.
White phosphorous (produced when red phosphorous is overheated), is flammable if
exposed to air, and can cause bone cancer and liver disease.
To cleanup a residence that once contained a meth lab, one generally has to remove the
wallpaper and wallboards, scour all the walls, floors, and ceiling, replace the carpet, repaint
inside several times, steam clean, and possibly even "bake out" the chemicals.
Substances present in the active lab as gases or volatile solvents will dissipate rapidly with
ventilation unless large amounts of liquid remain due to a spill. Residual solids in the form
of surface residues, spills, etc. are water soluble and, therefore, can be decontaminated by
water and detergent cleansing.
If recommended decontamination procedures are followed, re-occupancy should be
possible. Based on known physical properties of the chemicals associated with
methamphetamine production, there is not current scientific evidence to suggest a
continuing human health risk after decontamination.
ON-SITE FIRST AID
Treatment
* Vapor exposure: Persons exposed to vapors should be removed to fresh air. Specific
decontamination procedures such as chemical rinses are not indicated.
Chronic vapor exposure to some chemicals may produce a disagreeable odor on the
clothing of the building occupants. Therefore, it may be advantageous to remove
contaminated clothing from building occupants at the site, if possible, to prevent spread of
odor. The presence of a chemical odor on a person removed from the laboratory
environment does not imply that there is a health risk to emergency responders, (i.e.,
police, fire, EMT). However, when medical care is not required, transport may be
accomplished by providing a plastic suit to control spread of odor.
* Skin exposure, liquids: A spill or splash of liquid substance onto the skin or eyes should
immediately be irrigated with clean running water for 15 minutes. Irrigation should be
followed by soap and water washing for skin exposures. If direct chemical contact has
occurred, clothing should be removed immediately to allow for effective irrigation and
cleansing and to prevent further exposure. Attempts to neutralize acids or alkalis should
not be attempted.
* Skin exposure, solids: Direct exposure to such as powders or granules should be brushed
off as much as possible and the clothing removed. The involved areas should then be
irrigated and washed. Any persons with persistent symptoms should receive a medical
evaluation following decontamination. Waste water from the irrigation procedure may be
discarded without special treatment.
* Ingestion: Risk of toxicity is very high if chemical substances are accidentally or
intentionally ingested. The nearest Poison Center should be consulted immediately for
treatment recommendations following an oral ingestion.
Personal Protective Equipment
Law enforcement officers entering an active lab environment should utilize air flow
respirators that will provide adequate protection against life threatening ambient
concentrations of vapors. The face, eyes, and skin should be protected against chemical
spills and splashes by adequate protection, including face shield or goggles. Persons
handling equipment or containers should protect the hands and exposed areas of the skin
by wearing impervious gloves and suitable body protection.
CONCLUSION
ICE is the drug of choice in Korea and Japan. It has already devastated Hawaii, but is
only getting started in the mainland U.S. where it is still far from displacing cocaine as the
most widely-used drug.
Actual ICE distribution in the mainland U.S. has, to date, been limited, but growing. It
has already spread to Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego, with
some usage seen elsewhere including Oklahoma, Arizona and Washington, D.C.
If the cocaine supply in the U.S. is slowed or stopped, the abusers will look for an
alternative - ICE is clearly the logical choice, since it can be produced locally without
import and has many advantages over cocaine its production, transport, and use.
It is particularly significant to note that to date, the only factor preventing synthetic
narcotics, i.e., ICE, from becoming our leading drug crisis, is the fact that cocaine in
various forms still commands the U.S. market. Should current efforts curtail the flow of
cocaine into the United States, methamphetamine could serve as the logical replacement.
Since cocaine, for the most part, is chemically processed outside of the United States, the
emergence of methamphetamine as a drug of choice would significantly impact on the
number of clandestine laboratories encountered by law enforcement personnel.
With this, not only will law enforcement officers face increased danger and added risk in
apprehension, but also in the areas of search and seizure, and asset forfeiture.