Meth makers turn to older recipe

As it gets harder and harder to gather the ingredients used in more conventional methamphetamine recipes, Albuquerque police say they're seeing a resurgence of "shake-and-bake" meth that's faster and cheaper to make.

Conventional meth recipes have used elaborate labs with jugs, chemicals and piping, taking 5 to 8 hours to make a batch.

But, police said, the "shake-and-bake" method uses fewer ingredients and just a two-liter soda bottle, taking just over an hour to make.

"It is a very simplistic method in which to produce methamphetamines," said John Walsh with the Albuquerque Police Department.

The process comes from an older recipe known as "Nazi meth." Some claim it was developed in Germany, but lost its popularity until recent restrictions on the ingredients used to make conventional meth.

Walsh said "shake-and-bake" meth is easier to transport because it's in smaller packaging.

"The labs themselves have become small to the point that they are transported literally in a backpack," he said.

Users come from all stripes, but police said they're getting younger. The high lasts four to 12 hours, and some addicts said it's better than normal meth.

Narcotics officers said it's cheaper too, about $20 for a quarter gram, but, Walsh said, it's "still just as volatile and still just as dangerous."

Experienced narcotics officers are teaching new cadets and rookies how to spot the smaller operations. They're hoping to send the message that smaller labs won't go unnoticed.

People who suspect a meth lab can call the Albuquerque police meth hotline at 505-764-METH (764-6384). Callers can remain anonymous.