Précurseurs

Précurseurs, in a chemical context, refers to substances that can be used in the illicit manufacture of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances. These are chemicals that are themselves not drugs but are essential ingredients or reagents in the synthesis process. The term is often used in regulatory frameworks aimed at controlling the production and trafficking of illegal drugs.

International and national laws monitor the trade of precursor chemicals to prevent their diversion for criminal purposes. This monitoring typically involves licensing, record-keeping, and reporting requirements for companies that manufacture, distribute, or use these substances. Examples of precursor chemicals include ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, used in the production of methamphetamine, and acetic anhydride, used in the manufacture of heroin.

The classification of a substance as a precursor often depends on its role in specific synthesis routes. Due to the dynamic nature of drug manufacturing, lists of controlled precursors are periodically updated by international bodies like the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and national drug enforcement agencies. This is a crucial aspect of global efforts to combat illicit drug production and distribution.