Im a chemist working at Valvoline I am super curious about something.

Are the "Ilicit" drugs sold wrongfully and illegally made in labs? By chemists? Or wanabees?

I've just always wondered how in the flapjacks such chemistry is carried out and by who...? Who are "they"? Do they follow SOP's? Conventional or unconventional methods? Analytical instruments for QC/QA purposes? Do "these" folk just leave their profession and say "let me go find a drug lab"? Do the synthesis of these medications "walk out" the door from CDC/pharmaceuticals/etc..? How the eff?

Hopefully the post isnt taken down. I'd first consider that most "illicit" drugs can be given with prescription or under medical emergencies. They're usually derivatives and low concentrations. I've been hospitalized and treated with morphine (insufferable meningitis pain)/fent (anxiety/PD disorder)/THC (anxiety) and even meth (ADHD or ADD can't remember). Clonazepam and other stuff.. So.. I'm standing behind this as a chemistry conversation. Hate turning a blind eye to important and informative topics like this one.

I'm constantly asked if I do breaking bad stuff jokingly but my friends and family always stare in confusion when I say I don't have the knowledge to make those products 🤨

Its like.. there are literally hundreds of different chemistries. I don't know them all lol.

Thanks.

Edit:

Thank YOU for trusting me with this question and answering. Science is, well, science 🙂 Gotta know our "enemy"with the hope of introducing less suffering to the world 🌎