When acetone becomes a drug: How are explosives and narcotics precursors controlled?

What are precursors?

A precursor is any substance that takes part in a chemical process, whether to produce drugs, narcotics, psychotropic substances, or explosives. There are two types of precursors, each regulated by its own specific legislation: drug precursors on one side and explosive precursors on the other.

In what context are each of them used?

Historically, both Spain and the international community have faced two major scourges: drug trafficking and terrorism.

Regarding drug trafficking, precursors are essential substances for manufacturing drugs, from the initial stages of production up to the point when the drug reaches the consumer.

As for explosive precursors, we are now seeing, at an international level — through the wars in Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan — a significant evolution in the manufacture of explosives starting from commercially available substances.

So precursors are not used exclusively for illegal purposes…

Not at all. Both drug and explosive precursors have entirely legal and legitimate uses.
Drug precursors, for example, are widely used in industry — in fields such as medicine, veterinary science, paper production, and water treatment.

The same applies to explosive precursors. The only difference is that explosive precursors can also have private or hobby-related uses, for instance, in aeromodelling or water purification. In other words, they are widely used at industrial, professional, and even personal levels.

Can anyone access these precursors?

No. Countries and their legislations must set limits on the use and acquisition of these substances.
In the case of drug precursors, obtaining them is not easy. There are very specific restrictions.
Current European and Spanish legislation establishes three categories of controlled drug precursors:

• Category 1: Substances that are practically drugs themselves, since even minimal manipulation turns them into consumable narcotics. They are tightly controlled, and a license is required to acquire them.

• Category 2: Substances that are indispensable for drug production, such as potassium permanganate, used in cocaine manufacture. These require registration when quantities exceed certain thresholds.

• Category 3: Substances widely used in industry, available for free sale, and do not require any special authorization.

Regarding explosive precursors, legislation classifies them in annexes.
Annex I lists potentially hazardous substances. While no authorization is required for industrial use, individuals wishing to purchase any Annex I substance under the EU regulation must obtain a license, which is not easy to acquire.

What are some common products that can be used to make drugs or explosives?

Acetone is a perfect example. It is a solvent used in countless products — for making medicines, fibers, etc.
However, it is also illegally used in nearly all stages of drug production.
Who doesn’t have a bottle of acetone at home?
As an explosive precursor, acetone is also key, because when combined with other substances, it can form an explosive.
In fact, making an explosive is relatively simple, but handling and storage are fortunately much more complex.

When does the use of precursors become a crime, and how is it addressed?

National legislation clearly defines the offenses that can be committed with drug and explosive precursors.
Mere possession of these products is not a crime.
What is criminal is when it can be proven that possession is intended for illegal use.
Our role as Police and Civil Guard officers is precisely to determine whether such intent exists.

Besides law enforcement, many other actors take part in this control process — not only at the national level.
There are numerous organizations and individuals involved.
It is important to stress the role of EU Member States, which regularly convene specialist working groups on both drug and explosive precursors to analyze developments outside Europe — for example, in Latin America or Africa — and draw conclusions that guide further action.

Lately, we have been examining how to control precursors without hindering legitimate trade, which is crucial.
From a police perspective, we would like everything to be fully monitored, but we understand that commerce and industry must continue, since these products are part of everyday life.

For our part, in close collaboration with the chemical industry — whose support is absolutely essential — we are holding working meetings and public information sessions.

We also have a 24/7 information hotline for reporting suspicious transactions: 📞 915 37 27 66
If there is any doubt or suspicion about someone attempting to buy or inquire about a substance that could be used to make explosives, please call us — we will handle the situation.

What is the international significance of precursors, and how is this addressed?

The control of these substances has major international implications.
I recall the last COPOLAD meeting in Buenos Aires a month ago — the differences between countries in terms of control and importance given to these matters were striking.
It is vital that everyone works together in the same direction.

Intelligence sharing is also crucial.
From the European Union’s perspective, everything is more structured and controlled, but we also see deficiencies in other countries — those without established customs systems or with limited police capacity — which ultimately affects all of us.

For instance, drug trafficking routes often exploit weaknesses in certain countries.
That is why it is essential to continue holding these working meetings, sharing experiences, and ensuring coordinated global efforts.

Resumen

Nombre del artículo

When acetone becomes a drug: How are explosives and narcotics precursors controlled?

Descripción

We interviewed Jose Luis Martin, head of service of the precursor area of the Intelligence Centre against Terrorism and Organized Crime (CITCO). FIIAPP works with this institution through projects such as COPOLAD, a cooperation programme between the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States and the European Union in drug policies.

Autor

FIAP Fundación para la Internacionalización de las Administraciones Públicas

Publisher Name

https://www.fiap.gob.es

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