Diversion

Methamphetamine is often produced using chemicals and other products that are illegally diverted from legitimate sources. Some of the precursor chemicals needed to manufacture meth include pseudoephedrine (contained in over the counter cold medicines), anhydrous ammonia (used primarily as an agricultural fertilizer and industrial refrigerant), and red phosphorus (used in matches).

Some of the common ways used to divert products containing pseudoephedrine include:   

• “Smurfing” – making multiple purchases at different locations
• Shelf-Sweeping – the theft of all shelf stock
• Shoplifting
• Theft from wholesalers

Illegal drug makers often steal anhydrous ammonia from areas where it is stored and used, such as farms. Attempted thefts have also occurred at such places as refrigeration systems holding ammonia, underground pipelines carrying ammonia, and rail cars transporting anhydrous ammonia. Often thefts are aborted when thieves are injured or overcome by the toxic gas. 

Preventing the theft and diversion of precursor chemicals involves the coordination and cooperation of law enforcement, retailers, farmers, and others who may sell or work with these products. Some methods for preventing retail diversion include setting and enforcing thresholds on the amount of products that can be purchased by customers, storing products behind the retail counter, and establishing education programs for employees.  

To learn more about product diversion, see:

• Anhydrous Ammonia Theft
• Methamphetamine: Preventing the Retail Diversion of Pseudoephedrine
• National Drug Threat Assessment
• National Synthetic Drugs Action Plan

Source:

• National Synthetic Drugs Action Plan
• Methamphetamine: Preventing the Retail Diversion of Pseudoephedrine
• Anhydrous Ammonia Theft