Forensic Investigation of Clandestine Laboratories

by Christian, Jr.; Donnell R.

• ISBN13: 9780849312274
• ISBN10: 0849312272
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2003-07-28
• Publisher: CRC Press

Summary

Clandestine lab operators are not the mad scientists whose genius keeps them pent up in the laboratory contemplating elaborate formulas and mixing exotic chemicals. In fact, their equipment is usually simple, their chemicals household products, and their education basic. Most of the time the elements at the scene are perfectly legal to sell and own. It is only in the combination of all these elements that the lab becomes the scene of a criminal operation.Forensic Investigation of Clandestine Laboratories guides you, step-by-step, through the process of recognizing these illegal manufacturing operations. Then it shows you how to prove it in the courtroom. In non-technical language this book details:How to recognize a clandestine labHow to process the site of a clandestine labHow to analyze evidence in the examination laboratoryWhat to derive from the physical evidenceHow to present the evidence in courtThe identification and investigation of a clandestine lab, and the successful prosecution of the perpetrators, is a team effort. A collaboration of law enforcement, forensic experts, scientists, and criminal prosecutors is required to present a case that definitively demonstrates how a group of items with legitimate uses are being used to manufacture an illegal controlled substance. Providing an understanding of how the pieces of the clandestine lab puzzle fit together, this book outlines the steps needed to identify and shut down these operations, as well as successfully prosecute the perpetrators.

Table of Contents

1 Basic Clandestine Drug Manufacture	1	(22)
1.1 Lab Operators	2	(2)
1.2 Manufacturing Processes	4	(5)
1.2.1 Extraction Process	5	(1)
1.2.2 Conversion Process	6	(1)
1.2.3 Synthesis Process	7	(1)
1.2.4 Tableting	8	(1)
1.2.5 Combination Labs	9	(1)
1.3 The Needs Triangle	9	(13)
1.3.1 Equipment Needs	10	(8)
1.3.1.1 Reflux	10	(3)
1.3.1.2 Distillation	13	(1)
1.3.1.3 Hydrogenation	14	(1)
1.3.1.4 Bucket Chemistry	14	(1)
1.3.1.5 Extractions	15	(3)
1.3.2 Chemical Needs	18	(2)
1.3.3 Knowledge Needs	20	(2)
1.4 Summary	22	(1)
2 Clandestine Lab Hazards	23	(28)
2.1 General Hazards	23	(4)
2.1.1 Little Training	23	(3)
2.1.2 Makeshift Operations	26	(1)
2.1.3 No Two Labs Are Alike	27	(1)
2.2 Hazard Priority	27	(18)
2.2.1 Explosion	27	(3)
2.2.2 Fire	30	(2)
2.2.3 Firearms	32	(1)
2.2.4 Exposure	32	(19)
2.2.4.1 Chemical Hazards	35	(5)
2.2.4.2 Physical Hazards	40	(5)
2.3 Hazard Abatement	45	(4)
2.4 Summary	49	(2)
3 Basic Toxicology	51	(20)
3.1 Entry Routes	51	(6)
3.1.1 Inhalation	52	(2)
3.1.2 Dermal Absorption	54	(2)
3.1.3 Ingestion	56	(1)
3.2 Modes of Action	57	(1)
3.3 Influences on Toxicity	58	(4)
3.3.1 Length of Exposure	58	(1)
3.3.2 Degree of Exposure	59	(3)
3.3.2.1 Compound Factors	59	(1)
3.3.2.2 Exposure Factors	60	(1)
3.3.2.3 Personal Factors	61	(1)
3.3.2.4 Distribution and Elimination	62	(1)
3.4 Toxicity Measurements	62	(4)
3.4.1 Exposure Guidelines	64	(2)
3.5 Toxin Properties	66	(3)
3.5.1 Physical States	66	(1)
3.5.2 Toxic Properties	67	(2)
3.6 Summary	69	(2)
4 Scene Processing	71	(24)
4.1 Training	72	(1)
4.2 Seizure Stages	73	(21)
4.2.1 Preraid Planning	73	(1)
4.2.2 Briefing	74	(1)
4.2.3 Entry and Arrest	75	(1)
4.2.4 Hazard Evaluation and Abatement	76	(3)
4.2.4.1 Site Control	77	(1)
4.2.4.2 Personal Protective Equipment	78	(1)
4.2.5 Scene Processing	79	(17)
4.2.5.1 Planning	80	(1)
4.2.5.2 Documentation	81	(3)
4.2.5.3 The Search	84	(7)
4.2.5.4 Disposal	91	(3)
4.3 Summary	94	(1)
5 Laboratory Analysis	95	(44)
5.1 The Chemist	96	(2)
5.1.1 Single Chemist	97	(1)
5.1.2 Independent Analytic Chemist	98	(1)
5.2 Types of Analysis	98	(34)
5.2.1 Inorganic Analysis	100	(7)
5.2.1.1 Chemical Color Tests	100	(2)
5.2.1.2 Microscopic Techniques	102	(2)
5.2.1.3 Infrared Spectroscopy	104	(2)
5.2.1.4 Ion Chromatography	106	(1)
5.2.1.5 X-Ray Analysis	106	(1)
5.2.2 Organic Analysis	107	(2)
5.2.2.1 Test Specificity	107	(2)
5.2.3 Wet Chemical Procedures	109	(4)
5.2.3.1 Chemical Color Tests	109	(1)
5.2.3.2 Microscopic Techniques	110	(1)
5.2.3.3 Thin-Layer Chromatography	111	(1)
5.2.3.4 Extractions	112	(1)
5.2.3.5 Wet Chemical Documentation	112	(1)
5.2.4 Instrumental Examinations	113	(10)
5.2.4.1 Ultraviolet Spectroscopy	114	(1)
5.2.4.2 Gas Chromatography	115	(1)
5.2.4.3 Mass Spectroscopy	116	(1)
5.2.4.4 Infrared Spectroscopy	117	(3)
5.2.4.5 Documentation	120	(3)
5.2.5 Analytical Schemes	123	(5)
5.2.5.1 Solid Samples	124	(1)
5.2.5.2 Liquid Mixtures	124	(3)
5.2.5.3 Chromatographic Screening	127	(1)
5.2.6 Extractions	128	(2)
5.2.6.1 Physical Extraction	129	(1)
5.2.6.2 Dry Wash/Extraction	129	(1)
5.2.6.3 Liquid/Liquid Extractions	129	(1)
5.2.7 Isomer Determination	130	(2)
5.2.7.1 Microcrystal Examination	131	(1)
5.2.7.2 Derivatization	131	(1)
5.3 Quantitation	132	(5)
5.3.1 Microscopic Examination	134	(1)
5.3.2 Gravimetric Techniques	134	(1)
5.3.3 UV Techniques	135	(1)
5.3.4 GC Technique	135	(2)
5.4 Summary	137	(2)
6 Opinions	139	(22)
6.1 The Questions	140	(4)
6.1.1 Who?	142	(1)
6.1.2 What?	142	(1)
6.1.3 When?	142	(1)
6.1.4 Where?	143	(1)
6.1.5 Why?	144	(1)
6.1.6 How?	144	(1)
6.2 Information	144	(4)
6.2.1 Scene Information	145	(2)
6.2.2 Laboratory Analysis Information	147	(1)
6.3 Experience and Training	148	(11)
6.3.1 What? How? How Much?	148	(1)
6.3.2 What Is He Making?	149	(1)
6.3.3 How Is He Making It?	150	(2)
6.3.4 How Much ...?	152	(1)
6.3.5 How Much Product?	153	(1)
6.3.6 How Much per Batch?	154	(3)
6.3.6.1 Equipment Limitations	154	(1)
6.3.6.2 Chemical Limitations	155	(1)
6.3.6.3 Reaction Limitations	155	(2)
6.3.7 How Much per Week?	157	(7)
6.3.7.1 Production with Available Chemicals	158	(1)
6.4 Summary	159	(2)
7 Testimony	161	(20)
7.1 Case Preparation	162	(2)
7.2 Pretrial Conference	164	(4)
7.2.1 Educate the Attorney about Clandestine Drug Labs in General	164	(1)
7.2.2 Educate the Attorney about the Generalities of this Clandestine Drug Lab	165	(1)
7.2.3 Tell the Attorney what Indicates that a Clandestine Drug Lab Exists in this Instance	165	(1)
7.2.4 Tell the Attorney what Items Are Missing	165	(1)
7.2.5 Explain the Sampling Procedures that Were Used	166	(1)
7.2.6 Explain Chemical Disposal (if Used)	166	(1)
7.2.7 Outline Testimony	166	(2)
7.2.8 Discuss Visual Aids	168	(1)
7.3 Testimony	168	(5)
7.3.1 Direct Testimony	168	(3)
7.3.2 Cross-Examination	171	(1)
7.3.3 Independent Expert	172	(1)
7.4 Visual Aids	173	(6)
7.4.1 Simple	173	(1)
7.4.2 Easy to Read	174	(1)
7.4.3 Easy to Understand	174	(1)
7.4.4 Colorful	175	(1)
7.4.5 Types of Visual Aids	176	(3)
7.4.5.1 Photographs	176	(1)
7.4.5.2 Slides	177	(1)
7.4.5.3 Flip Charts and Overheads	177	(1)
7.4.5.4 Power Point Presentation	177	(1)
7.4.5.5 Evidence Exhibits	178	(1)
7.4.5.6 Combination of Visual Aids	178	(1)
7.4.5.7 Court Exhibits	178	(1)
7.5 Summary	179	(2)
8 Explosives Labs	181	(6)
8.1 Explosives Labs Operators and Manufacturers	181	(1)
8.2 Regulation	182	(2)
8.3 Scene Processing Procedures	184	(2)
8.4 Summary	186	(1)
9 Practical Applications and Examples	187	(38)
Practical Example 1: Extraction Labs	187	(1)
Practical Example 2: Extraction Labs	188	(1)
Practical Example 3: Conversion Labs	189	(1)
Practical Example 4: Conversion Labs	190	(1)
Practical Example 5: Conversion Labs	190	(1)
Practical Example 6: Synthesis and Extraction	191	(2)
Practical Example 7: Distillation	193	(1)
Practical Example 8: Distillation	194	(1)
Practical Example 9: Distillation	194	(1)
Practical Example 10: Extraction and Separation	194	(2)
Practical Example 11: Filtration	196	(1)
Practical Example 12: Mechanical Explosions	197	(2)
Practical Example 13: Mechanical Explosions	199	(1)
Practical Example 14: Vapor Explosions	199	(1)
Practical Example 15: Compressed Gas Hazards	200	(2)
Practical Example 16: Compressed Gas Hazards	202	(1)
Practical Example 17: Compressed Gas Hazards	202	(1)
Practical Example 18: Initial Crime Scene Evaluation	202	(1)
Practical Example 19: Training and Experience	203	(1)
Practical Example 20: Training and Experience	203	(1)
Practical Example 21: Sampling	204	(1)
Practical Application 1: Bottle Volume Estimates	205	(1)
Practical Application 2: Flask Volume Estimates	206	(1)
Practical Application 3: Separatory Funnel Volume Estimates	207	(1)
Practical Application 4: Reaction Flask Volume Estimates	208	(1)
Practical Example 22: Data Interpretation	209	(1)
Practical Example 23: Data Interpretation	209	(1)
Practical Example 24: Data Interpretation	210	(1)
Practical Application 5: Dry Extractions	210	(1)
Practical Application 6: Methamphetamine Extraction	211	(1)
Practical Application 7: Methamphetamine Extraction	212	(1)
Practical Application 8: Ephedrine/Pseudoephedrine Separation	212	(1)
Practical Application 9: Methamphetamine By-Product Profile Extraction	213	(1)
Practical Application 10: Quantitation	213	(1)
Practical Application 11: Gravimetric Quantitation	214	(1)
Practical Application 12: Serial Dilution Quantitation	214	(1)
Practical Application 13: Mathematic Application of Serial Dilution Quantitation	215	(1)
Practical Application 14: Single Standard Solution	216	(1)
Practical Example 25: Opinions (Knowledge and Experience)	217	(1)
Practical Example 26: Opinions (Knowledge and Experience)	217	(1)
Practical Application 15: Opinions (Data Interpretation)	218	(1)
Practical Application 16: Opinions (Data Interpretation)	219	(1)
Practical Application 17: Opinions (Production Estimates)	220	(1)
Practical Application 18: Opinions (Production Estimates, Multistep)	221	(1)
Practical Application 19: Opinions (Per Batch Production Estimates)	222	(1)
Practical Example 27: Testimony	223	(1)
Practical Example 28: Testimony	224	(1)
Appendix A	225	(8)
Scientific Equipment Encountered at Clandestine Labs	225	(2)
Reflux Variations	227	(1)
Distillation Variations	228	(1)
Hydrogenator Variations	228	(1)
Vacuum Filtration Variations	229	(1)
Extraction Equipment Variations	230	(1)
Makeshift Ventilation	231	(2)
Appendix B: Legitimate Use Table	233	(4)
Appendix C:
Drug Precursor/Reagent Table A	237	(4)
Drug Precursor/Reagent Table B	241	(4)
Appendix D: Reaction Mechanisms	245	(8)
Appendix E: Chemical Hazards	253	(10)
Appendix F: Toxicology Table	263	(22)
Appendix G: Optical Properties of Inorganic Compounds	285	(2)
Appendix H: Crystal Test Reagents	287	(2)
Appendix I: Anion IR Absorbance Table	289	(2)
Appendix J: Color Test Reagents	291	(4)
Appendix K: Mass Spec Data of Reaction Mixture Components	295	(6)
Appendix L: Extraction Procedures	301	(4)
Extraction Solubility Guidelines	301	(1)
Particle Picking	301	(1)
Dry Extraction	302	(1)
Dry Wash	302	(1)
General Liquid/Liquid Extraction Procedure	302	(1)
General Ion-Pairing extraction Technique	303	(2)
Appendix M: General Calculation Equations	305	(2)
Geometric Shape Volumes	305	(1)
Gravimetric Quantitation	305	(1)
Solid Samples	305	(1)
Liquid Samples	305	(1)
Serial Dilution Quantitation	306	(1)
Single Standard Solution Quantitation	306	(1)
Production Estimates	306	(1)
Appendix N: Conversion Factor Table	307	(2)
Appendix O: List of Explosive Materials	309	(10)
List of Explosive Materials	310	(9)
Appendix P: Sphere Volume Estimates	319	(2)
Appendix Q: Glossary	321	(6)
Appendix R: Clandestine Drug Lab Reference material	327	(40)
General Information	327	(2)
Amphetamine/Methamphetamine	329	(1)
Phenylacetone	330	(1)
MDA/MDMA	331	(1)
Cathinone/Methcathinone	332	(1)
Phencyclidine	332	(1)
General Analysis	332	(1)
Reagent Preparation	333	(1)
Analysis and Detection of Explosives	334	(33)
Index	367