Rebound in meth use brings fresh warnings to farmers to protect anhydrous ammonia from theft

As methamphetamine use continues to rebound, the farming community is becoming more concerned about thefts of anhydrous ammonia, which is used as a catalyst in the making of the illegal drug. "There probably should not be a lot of empty tanks or even full tanks sitting around in unsecured areas," Bill Field, farm safety specialist at Purdue University, told Dave Russell of Brownfield. "If a tank is empty it’s time to get it back to the co-op where at least they’re a little bit more secure." Supposedly empty tanks often contain enough ammonia to make meth, and are easier to haul than full ones.

Field recommends nurse tanks "be kept in a location where they can be watched, and he says if you do find signs of tampering be sure to contact the authorities," Russell writes. "The things farmers should be on the lookout for are thermoses, jugs, white gas, paint thinners or drug boxes. Usually it will just look like a pile of garbage," Field said. "I think the only way we’re going to solve this problem is for farmers to report when they find these residuals." (Read more)