Of course you realize that other chemicals are used in addition to the alcohols. The question is this: what ingredients are necessary? What is the mixing process? How long does it take?
The other serious precursor chemicals are plausibly denied as insecticide or drug production.
Well sure. My point is that, as far as the NY Times is concerned, the most we'll find will be a barrel of "rubbing alcohol" and a barrel of "insecticide" and maybe some "baby milk".