Pubdate: Tue, 05 Jul 2005 Source: Red Deer Advocate (CN AB) Copyright: 2005 Red Deer Advocate Contact: http://www.reddeeradvocate.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2492 Author: Jack Wilson Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) FERTILIZER THEFTS LINKED TO DRUG PRODUCTION Rural Businesses Handling Anhydrous Ammonia Should Be Wary Of Theft, The RCMP Warns. Cpl. Al Fraser of RCMP K-Division headquarters, says manufacturers of the illegal methamphetamine (crystal meth) may target business handling the liquid fertilizer. Police say the businesses should take extra precautions to prevent theft. The thieves are after the volatile liquid fertilizer that can be used to produce methamphetamine. Crystal meth is a powerful stimulant that continues to gain popularity in Alberta. It has been used in Alberta for about seven years and has become popular in the last couple of years. Sgt. Dave Lock, head of Lacombe Police Services, said his detachment hasn't recorded any recent ammonia thefts. However, rural areas where police response time is slower, because of distance, are susceptible, he said. A former Mountie, Lock said police are attempting to better monitor and track ammonia thefts. Where they'll (thieves) hit is deep into rural areas where the response time is slower because there's no nearby detachment." Fraser said police are dealing with a sharp increase in the illegal manufacture of the drug, also known as speed, ice or crank. Ammonia, which comes as a pressurized liquid, is used in the reaction process. Two representatives of Central Alberta fertilizer supply firms contacted on Monday said they haven't had thefts because of tight security. The representatives didn't want their firms identified because they could become targets. We're aware of the illegal uses of the ammonia so we try to ensure good security," said one spokesman. Fraser said people storing the fertilizer are encouraged to lock all valves and store application equipment in well lit or highly visible areas. Regular inspection of storage tanks and applicators will ensure that security measures haven't been tampered with. Methamphetamine can be made with common, easy-to-buy chemicals including fertilizer. The most common method used in Alberta mixes chemicals such as phosphorus and iodine to convert cold medicine into the highly addictive drug, Fraser said. Police say meth labs are springing up in many rural areas and can be in the trunk of a car. Fraser said Rural Crime Watch programs can play a vital role in helping stop theft. Fraser said anhydrous ammonia theft goes relatively unreported to police. Through the Rural Crime Watch, the RCMP will raise awareness to the potential of this issue," Fraser said. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom