Anhydrous
ammonia (NH3), a
nitrogen
fertilizer, is
one of the key
ingredients in
the illegal
production of
methamphetamine.
Most meth cooks
in rural areas
steal anhydrous
ammonia from
nurse tanks or
anhydrous
ammonia
distribution
facilities
commonly
operated by
farmers, retail
dealers, and
farmer
cooperatives.
Given its
chemical makeup,
anhydrous
ammonia should
be handled only
by people
trained in the
proper
properties and
procedures for
handling
ammonia. In
fact, by
damaging the
valves or hose
on the
distribution
tanks or nurse
tanks, thieves
intending to
make
methamphetamine
often cause
injury to
themselves,
sometimes
leaving them
critically
injured. If an
unsuspecting
employee or
farmer is
unaware of the
damage to a
hose, they may
open the valve
potentially
allowing
anhydrous
ammonia to
escape, causing
severe, and
sometimes fatal,
chemical and
temperature
burns.
One of the most
effective crime
prevention
measures
involves working
closely with
local law
enforcement to
establish a
neighborhood
organization to
maintain
surveillance of
local
properties. The
mere existence
of such an
organization can
act as a
deterrent to
thieves. Get
together with
others in the
community to
start a
Neighborhood or
Farm Watch
group. When
appropriate,
encourage the
agricultural
community to
invest in
anhydrous tank
lock security
devices and
tamper tags.
Everyone in the
supply chain who
has a stake in
agriculture’s
use of anhydrous
ammonia should
understand the
complexity of
the issue of
meth production
and its impact
on all
communities,
families, and
the environment.
Researchers are
looking for an
effective
additive for
anhydrous
ammonia to
render it
useless in the
production of
meth.
If you suspect
theft, you
should notify
law enforcement
immediately.
For more
information, see
the
Fertilizer
Institute’s Keep
Anhydrous
Ammonia Safe and
Secure
brochure on the
theft of
anhydrous
ammonia for
methamphetamine
production.
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