Correct Answer: Ephedrine (or pseudoephedrine) and iodine are two of the three critical ingredients needed to make methamphetamine (speed). In the interests of social responsibility, I will not list the third ingredient here; those who are so inclined can certainly pursue that thread elsewhere.

There are currently some fairly strict regulations on buying the needed ingredients here in the U.S. This includes sharp limitations on the number of OTC ephedrine or pseudoephedrine containing cold medications, and iodine, and the other critical (un-named) ingredient(s). However, neither Canada nor Mexico have such restrictions in place, therefore meth cooks here in the U.S. commonly go to either of those countries to buy enormous quantities of these precursors - the sole purpose of which is to make dope. This is a constant bone of contention between the respective governments, especially Canada - no one wants to have to impose access restrictions along the northern border (like we have with Mexico) just because the Canadians don't care about the meth epidemic in the U.S. (and a 30 ton purchase is a nice chunk of change in a depressed Canadian economy, and doesn't hurt the balance of trade, either).

I have to say, I strongly doubt that the original post about a family in Oregon getting raided/busted for just a gallon of iodine solution is true, especially if they actually had a crippled animal (horse?) As several people have posted, iodine is legitimately used for treating animals (though a gallon is certainly excessive for one animal). If they were in fact raided/busted, there was doubtless "just a bit more" going on behind the scenes. Although there are those who see narcs behind every bush, the reality is that the DEA has lots more important things to worry about than something this mickey mouse.

Hope that clarifies things....