Pubdate: Sun, 25 Apr 2004
Source: Interlake Spectator, The (CN MB)
Copyright: 2004 The Interlake Spectator
Contact:  http://www.interlakespectator.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2164
Author: Andrew Buck
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

INGREDIENTS USED IN METHAMPHETAMINE STOLEN

Theft Points To Possible Spread Of Crystal Meth Labs

Interlake Spectator -- Recent thefts of farm fertilizers -- including one 
in the Petersfield area -- have police worried about an increase of meth 
labs north of the border.

Farmers use anhydrous ammonia to help grow cereals and oilseeds, but the 
chemical is also helping to increase the number of clandestine drug labs in 
Manitoba. Anhydrous ammonia is a necessary ingredient in the production of 
crystal meth, Manitoba RCMP drug section Cpl. Kevin Lamontagne said.

"There's a whole process by which they cook the methamphetamine and the 
anhydrous is a key ingredient -- they can't do it without it," he said.

People who cook up the drug tend to steal anhydrous ammonia instead of 
buying it, Lamontagne said -- that's why police are worried about thefts 
like one near Petersfield, where a tank of anhydrous ammonia was drained 
and 26,500 gallons (with a value of $40,000) stolen. The crime is still 
under investigation, Selkirk RCMP spokesman Dwayne Cebryk said.

"All these chemicals are readily available through either purchase, or in 
the case of anhydrous ammonia, theft," Lamontagne said. "Generally, the 
acquisition of anhydrous is limited to theft because they don't require 
that large of a quantity."

Farmers rent out portable tankers holding the chemical and pull it behind 
their tillage equipment to spray their crops, Petersfield Agricore customer 
service rep Matt Ewankiw said. He said anhydrous thefts are a problem in 
North Dakota but have yet to cause similar widespread concerns in Manitoba.

Used properly, anhydrous ammonia is completely safe, Manitoba Agriculture 
Selkirk rep Michael Sykes said.

"Usually farmers will get their anhydrous ammonia from dealers like 
Agricore," he said. "It comes in tankers that are in a secured area." But, 
he said, the chemical poses a huge health hazard if it ends up in the wrong 
hands.

"The biggest concern is the safety factor," Sykes said. "It can be toxic to 
humans because it's got a huge affinity for moisture so you've got to be 
very careful around it. If you get that in your lungs or eyes it can cause 
irreparable damage."

Anhydrous ammonia is also dangerous because meth cookers don't care about 
how it and the drug's byproducts are disposed of.

"It is a big community health hazard," Lamontagne said. "For every one 
pound of methamphetamine that is produced, there are six pounds of garbage. 
It's basically toxic waste, and these people do not use licensed chemical 
companies to destroy the waste -- they'll just throw it in their backyard, 
in the dump, and into the ditches.

"A lot of that will make its way into our water system."

Police have seized three operational labs in Manitoba within the last year, 
and Lamontagne says all signs point to an increase in meth production in 
the province.

"Up until a couple of years ago, we really didn't have a lot of 
methamphetamine on the streets of our province, now we're seizing it on a 
regular basis all over the province," he said. "Anhydrous thefts are 
consistent with what we've seen in the United States, which in turn lead to 
the proliferation of clandestine labs."

Police are asking the public to help them spot illegal labs by reporting 
suspicious behaviour by strangers and strong ammonia smells. Farmers are 
also reminded to keep their chemicals under close supervision.

"If at all possible, try to keep your nurse tanks out of view and in 
well-lit areas," Lamontagne said. "If you are noticing that people are 
tampering with your tanks or you are experiencing theft, please notify your 
local detachment."

Crystal meth is the most common member of the amphetamine drug family. When 
ingested, it increases arousal in the central nervous system and can cause 
agitation, paranoia and bizarre behaviour in high doses. The drug is a 
white powder that often has a strong ammonia smell.
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