Pubdate: Mon, 09 Apr 2007
Source: Neepawa Banner, The (CN MB)
Copyright: 2007 The Neepawa Banner
Contact:  http://www.neepawabanner.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3951
Author: Neil Galbraith, Farm Production Advisor, MAFRI

ANHYDROUS AMMONIA AND CRYSTAL METH

Many farmers may be unaware that anhydrous ammonia is used in the 
production of crystal meth which is an illegal, highly addictive and 
dangerous drug. Thefts of anhydrous ammonia from farms and fertilizer 
dealerships are on the rise in Western Canada. Drug dealers only need 
small amounts of anhydrous ammonia to make crystal meth. Unsecured or 
unattended farm supplies are an easy target for such dealers. Thieves 
bleed off the fertilizer into empty barbecue propane tanks or other 
storage devices. It is unlikely a farmer or fertilizer dealer would 
be able to see the difference in the gauge on the tank because such 
small amounts are stolen but there are several things you can do to 
help prevent theft of this fertilizer for use in illegal drugs.

- - position tanks in secluded areas, out of sight from roads to 
discourage accidental discovery by thieves

- - OR keep tanks in your yard to discourage theft

- - try to have tanks delivered as close to the time of application as 
possible to shorten the time they are left unattended in fields

- - return tanks to the dealer soon after use

- - if there will be a delay in using all the contents of a tank, 
consider returning to the dealer or keep it in your yard until you 
start using the tank again

- - inspect the condition of nurse tanks upon delivery, after use, and 
when you return them to the fertilizer dealer

- - check tanks every morning for signs of tampering

- - use brightly colored plastic wire ties or seals between the valve 
handle and roll cage to help with quick visual checks for broken ties 
or plastic valve covers could be secured with ties and visually 
checked to see if they are broken

Signs of theft include: partially opened or leaking tank valves; 
vehicle tracks or footprints in the soil or snow, disturbed ground 
near tanks; a circular mark in the soil or snow from a barbecue tank 
used to steal some anhydrous ammonia; and any other items left behind 
such as duct tape, garden hoses, bicycle inner tubes, etc.

If you suspect tampering with a tank, leave the area undisturbed. 
Contact the dealer to confirm delivery amount or items that may have 
been left behind. Contact the RCMP if you suspect theft. Stay away 
from suspicious people to avoid confronting thieves who may become 
violent. Always approach a tank from an upwind position. Avoid 
handling any empty storage containers that may have been used by 
thieves such as barbecue tanks. The copper or galvanized valve 
fittings can be affected and fail to contain anhydrous ammonia.

Your local anhydrous ammonia dealer and GO office have brochures 
outlining the above information.
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MAP posted-by: Elaine