NOTICE - Iodine is used in the Illicit Manufacture of Methamphetamine
NOTICE - Iodine is used in the Illicit Manufacture of Methamphetamine
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is issuing this notice to inform individuals and businesses handling iodine and products containing iodine that this chemical is used in the illicit manufacture of methamphetamine.
Methamphetamine abuse is a major drug problem in the United States.
Criminals are always searching for sources of iodine.
Iodine is a List I chemical under federal law.
Handlers of iodine need to know their customers so as not to become an unwitting supplier to a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory.
Per federal regulations, each handler (regulated person) shall report to the DEA Special Agent in Charge of the local DEA office the following information:
- All transactions involving:
- an extraordinary quantity of iodine,
- an uncommon method of payment or delivery, or
- any other circumstance that the regulated person believes may indicate that the iodine will be used in violation of the Controlled Substances Act.
- Any proposed regulated transaction with a person whose description or other identifying
characteristic the DEA has previously furnished to the regulated person. - Any unusual or excessive loss or disappearance of iodine under the control of the regulated
person. The regulated person responsible for reporting a loss in-transit is the supplier.
It is unlawful for any person knowingly or intentionally to possess or distribute iodine, knowing, or having reasonable cause to believe, the iodine will be used to manufacture methamphetamine.
The Drug Enforcement Administration thanks you for your cooperation in this matter.