3.) Manufacturing and Production

Cocaine is produced and manufactured in small make-shift laboratories in remote parts of the coca growing areas. In order to make cocaine from the coca leaves, manufacturers first soak them in gasoline. The cocaine alkaloid is then filtered into a barrel of diluted acid. The cocaine base is then filtered through a cloth and dried to make a purer cocaine base. The base is dissolved in ethyl acetate and heated in a hot water bath. Another solvent is added which results in the crystallization of cocaine hydrochloride. Excess solvents are removed by a hydraulic press and microwave resulting in the basis for powder cocaine. (Cannabis) This basis is referred to as “bricks” and are easy to transport.

 

 

Here a man is performing step 1 of making cocaine: soaking the coca plants in gasoline.

 

Environmental Impacts

The chemicals used in this stage of cocaine production can produce over two metric tons of waste per coca hectare, which poses a threat to soil, water, and plant life. Processed coca leaves are often dumped near streams, which can harm the plants and animals living in the water. (Damage) Once the toxic waste in the coca leaves leaks into the water supply, it can become a source of pollution that negatively impacts the waterway for miles. When something is potent and dangerous enough to become a pollutant, it not only harms the environment but also humans and thus the economy. (Damage)

 

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