Production of drugs

Overview

The production of illicit drugs involves many methods, from horticulture to laboratory synthesis. The drugs occur in a wide variety of forms, ranging from dried leaves to tablets, white powders and clear liquids. Geography has a big influence, with well-established producer regions for the major drugs, often remote from the main markets. Drug control measures that target production include the control of trade in the chemicals essential to drug production, known as precursors. On this page you can find links to data, scientific publications and resources available from the EMCDDA on the topic of drug production.