Aim
By exploring authentic illicit cocaine extraction and processing laboratories, you will learn about safety measures to take when approaching such hazardous sites. If you are not yet an expert in identifying and investigating drug production, this eLesson is a good starting point. This will help you to deal with dangers related to cocaine extraction and processing and will equip you to prevent…and combat drug crimes.

Learning outcomes

1. 1.    Recall the general steps of, and requirements for, cocaine extraction and processing.
   2.    Detail the essential chemicals (including solvents and reagents) and equipment used in the secondary conversion of cocaine for distribution by organised crime groups.
   3.    Name the measures that organised crime groups take to avoid detection, including the equipment used for this purpose.
   4.    List the evidential value for future prosecutions of the industrial and custom-made equipment, materials and other artefacts found in illicit cocaine extraction and processing facilities.
   5.    Describe the hazards associated with illicit cocaine extraction and processing laboratories and the counter measures that should be taken when approaching such sites.
   6.    Explain the safety measures and preventive steps that non-specialist law enforcement officials should take when approaching illicit cocaine extraction and processing facilities.

Target audience
Different levels of law enforcement, judicial and forensic experts.

Estimated study time: 60 minutes

EMPACT Drugs trafficking training resource