TNAG-0820-FCO40-1027-Narcotics-problem-in-Hong-Kong-1978 — Page 102

Heroin chemists

As mentioned earlier, the process of converting morphine to heroin is more akin to domestic cooking than applied chemistry, and the terms 'chemist' and 'assistant chemist' do not imply any academic knowledge or qualification. 'Chemists' understand little if any of the chemistry involved in the manu- facturing processes-they know what to do but have little idea as to why they are doing it. It is largely for this reason that the basic formulae for the local manufacture of No. 3 and No. 4 heroin have not changed radically over the years, and some of the additives, not in themselves essential to the manufacture of heroin, can be traced back over 50 years to the early manu- facture of heroin pills (Annexure 2 refers). There have been instances of 'chemists' being completely illiterate and having to rely on notes read to them by a literate assistant.

An assistant can master the basic manufacturing processes by merely being present at the preparation of a batch of heroin. Initially, however, he will not be privy to all parts of the process, and it is knowledge of and experience in such factors as heating times and types and quantities of additives that determine the accept- ability of the final product to the addict. Such 'trade secrets' are normal- ly passed to an assistant after a lengthy period of loyal service. Alternatively, a prospective 'chemist' may purchase a written recipe for a considerable sum of money.

Many of the present day heroin 'chem- ists' are themselves addicted to the drug, frequently having been intro- duced to heroin by their employers as a means for the latter to retain control over them.

Heroin 'chemists' are paid for their services in various ways. Some are part of an organisation and are paid a fixed salary, though it is more com- mon for a 'chemist' to be employed on a part-time basis and to be paid whenever he manufactures-either in cash or with goods in kind. Others are independent, purchasing chemicals and raw materials themselves and selling their product on the wholesale market. In a recent case, a freelance 'chemist' was contracted to manu- facture 3,000 ounces of heroin a month for a fee of HK$90 an ounce.

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