Clandestine (Chemistry)
Clandestine Chemistry generally refers to illegal drug laboratories, but can include any kind of secretive laboratory operation.
History
Clandestine Chemistry made its mark in the late 1960s when amphetamines became illegal. Biker gangs including the Hell's Angels took control over the manufacture of amphetamines using standard laboratory equipment.
Methamphetamine was a favorite among biker gangs. But after phenylacetone became a DEA List I chemical, it was harder for underground chemists to manufacture methamphetamine.
Frustrated, underground chemists searched for alternative methods for producing methamphetamine, and figured out how to convert ephedrine into methamphetamine. At the time, ephedrine was not a watched chemical, and ephedrine pills could be bought by the thousands without raising any kind of suspicion.
In the 1990s, ephedrine became a closely watched chemical by the DEA, effectively making it harder for underground chemists to produce methamphetamine.
Probably one of the oldest forms of clandestine chemistry is the brewing and distillation of alcohol. In the 1920s, alcohol was on prohibition. This opened a door for brewers to supply their own town with alcohol. Just like modern day drug labs, alcohol distilleries were placed in rural areas. The term Moonshine generally referred to Corn Whiskey, whiskey that is made from corn.
Ancient forms of clandestine chemistry included the manufacturing of poisons. In ancient times, one trying to manufacture a poison would keep it very secret.
Modern
Clandestine Chemistry does not limit itself only to drugs, it is also associated with explosives, and other illegal chemicals. Nitroglycerin is one chemical that clandestine chemists are known for producing on a small scale. Other, simpler explosives are commonly made by people for "fun", including acetone peroxide.In 2002, there were over 15,000 methamphetamine lab busts.
Uncle Fester is a writer who commonly writes about different aspects of clandestine chemistry. "Secrets of Methamphetamine Manufacture" is among one of his most popular books, and is considered required reading for DEA Agents. More of his books deal with other aspects of clandestine chemistry, including explosives, and poisons.
Other forms of clandestine chemistry have gained popularity among some teenagers. Since the rise of the internet, some teenagers have access to information on topics such as the extraction of dextromethorphan (DXM) from over the counter cough medicine. Some teenagers have also gained knowledge regarding the manufacturing of explosives, the most popular of which is acetone peroxide. But due to the lack of reliable information on the internet, deaths have occoured in many of these chemistry experiments.