Small rural towns are viewed by many as a quiet place to settle down and raise a family. Artwork created by Norman Rockwell has helped shape many perceptions of innocence and serenity in small towns. Unfortunately, those qualities which have attracted people to live in small towns have caught the attention of unwelcome residents - methamphetamine producers.

Rural areas offer two advantages to producers of the drug. Production can occur without attracting attention and producers have access to anhydrous ammonia, which is used to produce the drug. Anhydrous ammonia is a fertilizer used on non-legume crops as a way of adding nitrogen to the soil.

[continues 583 words]