Tips on Preventing Anhydrous Ammonia Theft

Methamphetamine dealers target fertilizer supplies to manufacture illegal drugs.

According to federal law, it is unlawful for any person to: “….steal anhydrous ammonia, or to transport stolen anhydrous ammonia across state lines, knowing, intending, or having reasonable cause to believe that such anhydrous ammonia will be used to manufacture a controlled substance in violation of this part…..” However, this law does not seem to be deterring criminals from targeting farmers’ and dealers’ N supplies. Theft of anhydrous ammonia is a serious problem and the contraband is not being used to grow better crops, legal or otherwise. Thieves use the anhydrous to produce methamphetamine (meth), a powerful central nervous system stimulant that has a high potential for abuse and dependence. Seizure of meth labs increased by 300% from 2001 to 2002 and local authorities are dealing with increasing theft and tampered anhydrous tanks throughout rural Colorado. One Northeastern Colorado County conservatively estimated the number of thefts at 50 in the past two years.

Victims of anhydrous ammonia theft may not realize a theft has occurred because the amount of material stolen is relatively small compared to the overall volume of a tank. A large quantity of meth can be manufactured with less than 10 gallons of anhydrous ammonia. Evidence of tampering with tank valves or the presence of items left behind by thieves is ways that you may know a theft has occurred. These include:

• Partially opened tank valves and/or leaking tanks;
• Buckets, coolers, duct tape, garden hoses and bicycle inner tubes are used to steal anhydrous. If you find empty containers around your tanks, be extremely cautious, especially small barbeque tanks. The valves may be compromised and dangerous to handle.
• The presence of unfamiliar or suspicious-looking individuals during daylight hours (thieves often scout the property beforehand);

Consider the following procedures to protect your N-supply from theft:

• Consider obtaining locking devices for nurse tank valves.
• If you are holding multiple tanks for an extended period of time, it may be helpful to visit with rural law enforcement about the location and amounts of anhydrous ammonia.
• Ensure that tanks are placed in lighted, secure areas. If possible, place tanks where they can be seen from the residence and where the flow valves face either the drive lane or residence.
• Bleed and remove hoses to remove excess liquid. This small amount can be enough to produce meth.
• Check tanks frequently since unattended tanks are often targeted
  Block road lanes or entrances near the tank with a gate or barricade to complicate theft of the entire tank.
• Post No Trespassing signs and label tanks with caution labels to warn of the highly hazardous nature of anhydrous ammonia and to reduce your liability should an injury occur during theft.
• Brightly colored plastic wire ties or seals between the valve wheel and the roll cage will help make quick visual checks for tampering. A broken tie or seal indicates a likely tamper incident.
• Do not confront suspicious individuals near your tank. Call the police, because users of meth may become violent with little provocation.

by Troy Bauder
Extension Specialist
Water Quality

Chemical Safety Alert, March 2000, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency:
http://yosemite.epa.gov/oswer/ceppoweb.nsf/content/ConsolidatedPubs.htm

The Fertilizer Institute, http://www.tfi.org

Code of Federal Regulations Pub. L. 91-513, title II, Sec. 423, as added Pub. L. 106-310, div. B, title XXXVI, Sec. 3653(a), Oct. 17, 2000, 114 Stat. 1240.

Preventing Theft of Anhydrous Ammonia, Ohio State University Fact Sheet:
http://ohioline.osu.edu/aex-fact/0594-1.html