ATTEMPTED AMMONIA THEFTS SERIOUS HAZARD TO HEALTH, WELFARE

Ammonia is used to expedite the manufacture of methamphetamine, an illegal
drug better known as meth. The drug is comparable to cocaine but it is more
powerful, the "high" lasting longer and it is cheaper.

It is sometimes referred to as the "poor man's cocaine."

Meth can be smoked, snorted, injected or taken orally.

It is very dangerous and those addicted or making it for sale will do most
anything to get meth or the materials to produce it.

Meth "labs," places where the illegal drug is manufactured (often in
residences), are a major problem not only in Blount County but across the
state and much of the nation. Gov. Phil Bredesen recently had a workshop in
an effort to help rid the state of these illegal operations.

The drug can be made from across-the-counter products available at many
stores, so it is a difficult problem to solve.

This past Saturday, Blount County had two cases of ammonia being released
by thieves attempting to steal it from local businesses. Apparently they
planned to use it in the manufacture of meth.

The first case apparently happened at a business in the industrial park in
Rockford Saturday evening.

Later in the night there was a release of 1,500 pounds of ammonia under
pressure when thieves attempted to steal ammonia at the ice plant in
Maryville with the apparent intent of using it in producing meth.

Strong fumes can cause serious burns, damaging both humans and plants. At
least two or three persons were treated at Blount Memorial Hospital from
the burns.

A reverse 911 call was sent to residents of the area, warning them of the
danger from the release at the ice plant.

On the black market, 20 pounds of ammonia is reported to bring about $750.
The ammonia on the legal market is not that expensive but delivery other
than on a set routine route is very expensive.

The release also caused considerable extra expense for law enforcement
agencies who had to run up overtime to block roads and secure the area.
Firemen using oxygen tanks and protective gear went into the area to turn
the valve off.

The ammonia tends to stay in low lying areas and followed the air flow
along Browns Creek and down the Pistol Creek valley, interrupting
operations at The Daily Times Saturday night.

At least one man has been arrested from an earlier incident at the ice
plant. He was quickly out on a low bond and drove by the plant, waving at
workers, ice plant manager Randy Perkins said. However, the charge was
changed from ordinary theft to a felony when it was determined the ammonia
probably was to be used to make meth.

This is a very serious and hazardous situation which we think requires two
things:

- - Plants with quantities of ammonia must take more security precautions
against theft. There are a lot of ways to provide greater security for the
ammonia, the public health demanding it. There are numerous electronic
devices that could be used or the tank could be enclosed.

- - Either new ordinances should be established or existing laws and stiffer
charges should be brought against those apprehended.

We were very fortunate that the Sunday night release of ammonia occurred at
a time when not many people were outside or we would have had more serious
problems.

This is a new threat to the public welfare that needs to be addressed now
before it results in more serious injuries or even death. It may require
new approaches.