Recent seizures of body-carrying of Colombian heroine has placed DEA on the alert for possible fire and explosions. The seizures of heroin were not pure but contained the chemical potassium chlorate. Potassium chlorate is a strong oxidizer which, when it comes into contact with organic materials such as heroin or internal bodily secretions can cause fire, explosion or produce toxic fumes.

It is believed that the potassium chlorate has been added to the heroin after manufacture, as potassium Chlorate is not a natural by-product of heroine production.

DEA Lab Chemist Bill Phillips strongly recommends no field test should be performed on ingested drugs because of the risk of advance chemical reaction to potassium chlorate or other unknown chemicals. Potassium chlorate is used in the manufacture of fireworks, matches and explosives. Chemist Phillips is recommending that the US Attorney be advised of any body-carrying seizures and authorization to immediately destroy heroin samples be obtained.

There is a high level of concern that the tainted heroin has already reached the streets and in the process of being sold. Extreme caution is advised when seizing and testing all heroin encountered. ALL FIELD TESTING SHOULD BE AVOIDED! Minimal precautions of wearing both hand and eye protection is strongly advised.

Blindness and permanent nerve damage have been caused as a result of the explosions that occur.

It is not known if the chemical tainting was done to target law enforcement personnel or if there is another reason behind adding potassium chlorate.*

* Miscellaneous information: It is not uncommon for chemicals such as strychnine (rat poison) to be added to heroin to increase the "buzz or kick" thus giving the user the impression that one dealers heroin is better than another. While strychnine is a deadly poison, when used in a low enough amount, the user feels the difference without fatal results. It is unknown if the potassium chlorate was added by someone just to make the merchandise different or as a way to kill/maim police.