SENATOR TO ADD TO METH FIGHT ARSENAL

Ed Schrock sees nothing wrong with using anhydrous ammonia as fertilizer on
his farm near Elm Creek.

What bothers him is when the chemical is used to make methamphetamine, an
illegal, synthetic drug.

That's why the state senator wants to have the common farm fertilizer
classified as drug paraphernalia in Nebraska.

Schrock has nothing against his agrarian colleagues. He just wants to give
prosecutors another tool to use against drug dealers.

An increasing number of methamphetamine labs has been uncovered across
Nebraska in recent years.

Part of the problem is the easy access to materials used to make meth,
including anhydrous ammonia stolen from farms and farm supply stores.

"These people come out with small tanks and bleed anhydrous ammonia out of
the tanks sitting in the middle of field," said Schrock, who will push his
proposal before the Judiciary Committee on Feb. 14.

The bill (LB815) would add anhydrous ammonia to a list of drug paraphernalia
in state law - along with hypodermic needles, cocaine spoons and drug
scales.

Simple possession of anhydrous ammonia would not be illegal, but adding it
to the list could help prosecute people arrested on drug charges.

Meth, also known as crank, ice or crystal, is a powerful stimulant that can
be smoked, snorted, swallowed or injected. It normally contains ephedrine or
pseudoephedrine, found in over-the-counter cold medications.

It produces a quick, strong high and can lead to paranoia and terrible fits
of withdrawal. Experts say it is as harmful to users as heroin and cocaine.

Meth can be made with a skillet and stove, in a bathtub, even in a car trunk
with a plastic drinking cup. And a $1,000 investment, police say, can reap a
$20,000 profit.

Authorities busted 2,155 meth labs nationwide last year, including 38 in
Nebraska. Police in the state have discovered 11 in the past month alone.

Schrock's idea makes sense, said Alice Licht with the Nebraska Fertilizer
and Ag-Chemical Institute.

"The thing that surprises us the most is that they are stealing it -
anhydrous ammonia is extremely dangerous," she said, "Many of the people
that are stealing have been severely injured."

Other states, including Illinois, Iowa, Missouri and South Dakota, have
passed or are considering laws dealing with unauthorized use of anhydrous
ammonia.

The State Patrol is still studying Schrock's bill and has not decided
whether to support it, spokeswoman Terri Teuber said.

"But in general," she said, "we appreciate any help we can get in dealing
with the meth problem."