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.