CHIANG RAI – Authorities have seized 25 tons of Hydrochloric acid a precursor used in the making of crystal meth or meth pills. It was uncovered in a joint operation between Thailand’s Office of Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) and Myanmar police from Tachilek.
The Hydrochloric acid could have been used to produce 50 tonnes of crystal meth or “ice”, or heroin, ONCB secretary-general Niyom Termsrisuk said. The 50 tons of crystal meth “ice” could have been used to produce 2.5 billion meth pills.
Myanmar authorities arrested six suspects and seized 10,350 kilograms of hydrochloric acid from a rented house in Tachilek early in the week.
The ONCB was alerted after the suspects reportedly told Myanmar police that the acid was from Mae Sai. Leading to the seizure of another 15,100 kilograms of hydrochloric acid from a house in Mae Sai.
Provincial Police and the Department of Industrial Works were now checking to see if the acid had the necessary permits. Hydrochloric acid is a Category 3 substance under the Hazard Substances Act BE 2535 (1992).
They initially found that there was no permit for possession, import or export.
Dangerous Chemicals Found in Crystal Meth
Crystal meth can be made from products found at most drugstores. Thailand has banned the mandatory ingredients, such as ephedrine or pseudoephedrine.
This mixture of combustible ingredients and certain psychoactive ingredients can produce crystal meth in a form that can be easily ingested.
Hydrochloric Acid In Crystal Meth
Crystal meth production process involves some chemicals that are extremely hazardous and even deadly. Some can also cause serious environmental and structural damage. One of the most dangerous is hydrochloric acid.
What Is Hydrochloric Acid?
Hydrochloric acid is a very strong, corrosive acidic compound used as a reagent in laboratories. Created by dissolving hydrogen chloride in water. Human beings actually have hydrochloric acid in their bodies naturally as part of the digestive system.
Digestive acid in the stomach is primarily hydrochloric acid. The body naturally manages this substance, so it does not harm the rest of the body. It can also take gaseous form and cause serious medical problems if it comes into contact with a person.