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What is it ?
“Ice” is a slang term for a very pure, smokeable form of methamphetamine. It is an extremely addictive stimulant. Its raw ingredients include over-the-counter cold remedies, batteries, brake cleaner, farm fertilizer, and drain opener — items easy to come by and easy to combine — by those who can stomach the stink and risk of an explosion.

   As tactics to fight meth evolve, so do the tactics to secure the chemicals needed to make it. “Cooks” have begun using two new ingredients: salt blocks which contain ephedrine (intended for sick farm animals) and electric pole power transformers, which are sometimes knocked down and cannibalized for a chemical replacement for anhydrous ammonia. Frequently, power outages must now be investigated as possible drug manufacturing activity.

 

What does it look like ?
Almost clear crystal chunks — like ice, or rock salt. When crushed, the drug is white and powdery.

 

How is it used ?
Usually smoked, snorted, or injected; sometimes swallowed or rectally absorbed.

 

Short Term Effects
Its effects are similar to those of cocaine but longer lasting. Ice can cause erratic, violent behavior among its users. Effects include speeding hearts, pounding blood pressure, suppressed appetite, impotence, mild to extreme itching sensation, interference with sleeping, mood swings and unpredictability, tremors, and convulsions.

 

Long Term Effects
Long-term effects can include: extreme paranoia, memory loss, damaged blood vessels, skin abscesses, hallucinations, rotten teeth, coma, stroke, and death.

   The drug’s effects reach beyond users. Proximity to its manufacturing chemicals can make children ill, and in-utero exposure can lead to a condition called “worm heart,” which requires surviving infants to have surgery. The drug also causes environmental problems derived from its distinctive, homegrown manufacturing process.

 

Federal Classification
Schedule II

Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse

 

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