How Is Cocaine Made?

Cocaine is one of the most addictive recreational drugs ever manufactured. It is known for its stimulative and anesthetic effects. It remains a popular drug of choice because it produces feelings of euphoria, high energy, alertness, self-confidence and even increased sexuality in users. On the down side, it also causes increased heart rate, restlessness, anxiety and paranoia. After cannabis (marijuana), cocaine is one of the most commonly used illicit drugs in the USA.

Cocaine is made from the leaves of the coca plant (genus Erythorxylum). It grows mainly in the western and northern parts of South America. Today, the main source of illegal cocaine is Colombia, followed by Chile, Peru and Bolivia. Coca plants grown in the conditions in these regions contain higher amounts of cocaine, an alkaloid that occurs naturally in this genus.

To make cocaine, the coca leaves are hand-picked, then processed to achieve different products from which cocaine may be further extracted. These products include coca paste, crystal (cocaine hydrochloride) and coke base. The type of method used to extract these substances vary from one laboratory to the next, with certain labs using a different set of chemicals or formula to achieve their desired end product.

There are two main methods used to make cocaine paste: acid extraction and solvent extraction. Here is a summary of each method:

Acid Extraction

Coca leaves are mixed with a diluted form of sulfuric acid and placed in a large vat or pit. Workers then stomp on the mixture with bare feet for as long as 2 hours. The sulfuric acid will react with the leaves to produce cocaine sulfate. This substance is further processed by exposing it to heat. Once the sulfate has been filtered, carbonate or lime is added, resulting in a curdled mixture which is then mixed using kerosene. It is then filtered again and processed with sulfuric acid to produce cocaine.

Solvent Extraction

Chopped coca leaves are dusted with carbonate salt or lime and a little water. Diesel fuel or kerosene is added and the mixture is stirred vigorously for about 3 days to extract the cocaine. The liquid cocaine is then heated, filtered and mixed with sulfuric acid. This process produces cocaine sulfate which is then mixed with caustic soda or lime. The gum-like yellow paste that results from this process is then dried and packaged.

Making Street Cocaine

To make street cocaine, cocaine paste is mixed with an oxidizing agent to turn the yellowish-brown paste to a white or colorless mix. This purified solution is then filtered, mixed with ammonia and dried, producing cocaine hydrochloride. In this form, cocaine can be snorted or injected by the end user.

Making Crack Cocaine

To make crack cocaine, cocaine hydrochloride is mixed with ammonia or sodium bicarbonate and heated. The result is a rough chunk of white crystal known as crack cocaine. In this form, crack cocaine may be heated and inhaled as vapor.