People that are perfectionists, obsessive and want to be in control are susceptible to abusing stimulants. Cooking crank Making meth is not as easy as frying chicken, but then again you don t have to be a mental giant to do it, said Sgt. Jim Steele of the Autauga County Sheriff s Department. Homegrown chemists have learned how to manufacture or cook the stuff on their own creating a stench so strong that many work in rural areas and somewhat secluded labs. Some find the formula and instructions on the Internet or from other meth makers.
Raw materials are legal and readily purchased at any department or hardware store.
The smell is a byproduct of the chemicals and processes used to make meth. Volatile compounds such as ether, acetone and phosphorous are mixed with heat and an open flame. The lab in Prattville worked with a different process, where anhydrous ammonia and red phosphorous were used. The smell was less noticeable, but this method can produce phosophine gas. The gas is odorless, tasteless, colorless and deadly.