Pubdate: Wed, 20 Jul 2005
Source: Cochrane Times (CN AB)
Copyright: 2005 Cochrane Times
Contact:  http://www.cochranetimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1588
Author: Catherine Oshanek
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

RCMP issue anhydrous ammonia alert

Theft of key ingredient in making of crystal meth on the rise, leading
to warning across province

Cochrane Times -- Cochrane RCMP are hoping to stop a crime before it
happens, as Alberta's RCMP K-Division has issued a warning to all
detachments about a potential increase in anhydrous ammonia thefts.

But this type of fertilizer isn't stolen for the use in agriculture;
instead, it is illegally manufactured into methamphetamines.

According to Staff Sgt. Scott Beck, this alert is strictly to warn
people to be aware of the possibility and to keep an eye out for any
unusual behavior.

"The RCMP is just trying to get the information out there to the
general public, especially to the rural areas about the potential
increase in thefts and what it can be used for," said Beck.

He said that the number-one thing that people need to be aware of is
that these thefts do have the potential to occur, and that anyone who
owns or manages anhydrous ammonia should be incredibly vigilant while
storing and handling it.

According to Beck, if anyone happens to witness the theft or purchase
of a large quantity of this fertilizer they should take down all of
the important information, such as license plate number and
descriptions of the individuals involved.

"We are certainly interested in that information," he
said.

"People might just think that it's just one piece to the puzzle, and
in their minds it might be insignificant. But it might be a piece to a
larger puzzle that will help us out."

The stimulant methamphetamine is a powerful street drug that is
gaining popularity throughout the province.

Last year, the RCMP took down a large meth lab close to the town of
Carstairs and, according to Beck, that's exactly what the RCMP doesn't
want to see happen around Cochrane.

"It was close to our community, and that was a fairly significant lab
that they took down," he said.

"It's a fairly simple process to make, and the information is out
there on how to do it unfortunately. It's a dangerous process as well."

With various methods to make the toxic crystal meth available, the
"Birch" or "Nazi" methods use anhydrous ammonia during the reaction
stage.

"There are all kind of chemicals that they use to make meth. You would
be amazed if you saw what they use," said Beck.

"The most common method in Alberta is to mix chemicals such as
phosphorus and iodine to convert common cold medicine into
methamphetamine."

He said that many farmers don't even realize that they are missing any
of their chemical fertilizer.

"A lot of this theft may go unreported or even unrecognized by
individual farmers, and if they are unable to keep track somehow of
what they have in their tanks and if it is going missing, then
obviously there is a concern about who is accessing it," he said.

Although the RCMP has released this information, Beck currently
doesn't think that Cochrane has a large problem in regards to the use
of illegal street drugs.

"There are the thefts and the break-and-enters for people to support
their habits and we haven't seen that here yet."

When it comes to any suspicious behavior, whether it is related to the
creation of crystal meth, or it is drug trafficking and grow
operations, Beck said that people should keep a watch out and report
any thing out of the norm.

"If there is unusual activity in a house, if people are there
infrequently, they may not get to know their neighbours at all, and
the people come and go at different times, things like that . . . they
can definitely call us and we will certainly follow up on it."

If you have witnessed any unusual behavior, or have information on the
theft of anhydrous ammonia, please call the Cochrane detachment at
932-2213. 
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