PENALTY FOR THEFT OF METH INGREDIENT MAY INCREASE

DOYLE'S PLAN WOULD MAKE STEALING FERTILIZER A FELONY

Madison - Stealing a low-cost farm fertilizer used in the manufacture of
illegal methamphetamine would be a felony under a proposal outlined
Wednesday by state Attorney General James Doyle.

Doyle said police have reported an increase in the number of thefts of
anhydrous ammonia, especially in southwestern Wisconsin, where the drug has
become increasingly common.

"Current law does not adequately address the serious crime of stealing a
common agricultural product and using it to produce dangerous narcotics,"
Doyle said.

A recent survey of law enforcement agencies in seven southwestern Wisconsin
counties found no thefts of the nitrogen fertilizer in 1998 but 20 thefts
this year.

Meanwhile, meth labs or waste dump sites from meth production have become
more numerous, Doyle said. The same survey showed that while two meth labs
or dump sites were found in 1998, 30 have been identified this year.

Anhydrous ammonia can be used to make meth - also referred to as rural
crack, crank and crystal - in small, clandestine meth labs. Iowa has been a
hotbed of meth production, but crackdowns there are moving it across the
border.

Doyle's proposal would penalize thieves with a 31/2-year prison sentence, a
fine of up to $10,000 or both. The penalty would also extend to transferring
the product to containers that do not meet state specifications.

Illinois and Iowa already have similar laws regarding theft of the
fertilizer.

Doyle also unveiled a meth awareness program aimed at helping Wisconsin
businesses identify suspicious purchases that may be made to outfit meth
labs. The Department of Justice has printed 10,000 posters that illustrate
common products often used in meth production.

Among the items are car starter fluid, paint remover and drain cleaners, as
well as some over-the-counter medications.

The posters encourage businesses to be watchful for repeat or bulk purchases
of the products and to report them to local or state law enforcement
officials.