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Each spring, farmers apply anhydrous
ammonia as a low-cost, highly effective, nitrogen-based fertilizer.
But the chemical is also a key ingredient in the illegal production
of a powerful drug called methamphetamine.
Because of this unfortunate dual usage,
the Illinois attorney general has made an urgent request to
agricultural retailers and farmers: Please take whatever steps
possible to help prevent the theft of anhydrous ammonia.
The proliferation of meth labs across
the state has placed anhydrous ammonia in high demand among drug
dealers. The most current statistics from the Illinois State Police
show that 666 meth labs were seized in the year 2001. That number is
up from 24 labs seized in 1997.
If those figures scare you, they
should. In addition to the long-term problems that production of
methamphetamine poses to individuals and communities, there are more
immediate dangers.
"Anhydrous ammonia is one of the most
dangerous ag chemicals we use," said Bob Aherin, University of
Illinois Extension agricultural safety specialist. "Because it's
stored in pressurized tanks, there is always the threat of
explosion. If the tank valves are opened too much or a hose breaks,
the chemical can explode out of those valves for hoses." Anhydrous
can also explode when placed in improper containers, such as propane
tanks from barbecue grills.
A second hazard occurs when there is
accidental contact with anhydrous ammonia. Physical exposure to, or
inhalation of, the chemical can cause serious injuries from burns to
the body and the lungs.
Ongoing research hopes to produce an
additive that would render ammonia unusable as a precursor for
methamphetamine production. But until an additive is tested and
approved, law enforcement officials will have to rely on the
cooperation of the ag community to help deter the theft of anhydrous
ammonia.
Together with the office of the
attorney general, Aherin offered the following as a list of
precautions retailers and farmers can take to lower the risk of
theft on their property.
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If
possible, store tanks in a well-lit, fenced-in area close to the
roadway or farmstead.
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Have
nurse tanks delivered to the field as close as possible to the day
of application. If at all possible, do not store full tanks in a
field overnight.
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this article] |
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If
finances allow, agricultural chemical dealers should consider the
use of surveillance cameras and motion-detector sensors.
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Locking
devices for nurse tank valves can be rented or purchased, although
some experts do warn that the more determined thieves can break
such devices, causing chemical spills and damage to valves.
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Inspect
the tanks daily, and watch for evidence of activity near the tank,
such as footprints in the soil, stained soil, tampering of the
tank valves or items left near the tank (duct tape, garden hoses,
plastic tubing, bicycle inner tubes or coolers).
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Remove
decoupling hoses and store them separately from the tank; there is
often enough ammonia in a standard hose to make methamphetamine.
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Work with
local law enforcement to encourage regular patrols of the area,
especially on nights and weekends.
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Communicate with your neighbors and post signs to designate your
area as a crime watch area.
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Contact
local authorities if theft is suspected. NEVER approach or
confront suspicious individuals. Anyone under the influence of
methamphetamine can be dangerously violent.
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Return
nurse tanks immediately after use.
Finally, Illinois law provides stiff
penalties for lawbreakers. The production or distribution of
methamphetamine is a minimum Class 2 felony. Transferring anhydrous
ammonia in an unapproved container is a Class 4 felony; and
tampering with anhydrous ammonia equipment, containers or storage
facilities is a minimum Class A misdemeanor. All carry the
possibility of time in jail.
Aherin concluded, "I guess people are
willing to take all these risks because of the high value of the
drug on the street. But anhydrous ammonia is really not something
that should be messed with."
Source:
Robert Aherin
Writer:
Leanne Lucas
[University
of Illinois press
release] |
