Law enforcement officers will most often confront the problem of precursor and essential chemicals through the seizure of clandestine drug laboratories, which pose a growing problem in rural areas. The report describes the drug industry, the diversion of chemicals for illegal purposes, Federal and State legislation that defines diversion as an illegal act, problems and legal concerns related to the seizure of clandestine laboratories, the training of law enforcement personnel, and the development of data and statistics on precursor and essential chemicals. Charts, chapter reference notes, appended background information, and lists of information sources