Tampering With Anhydrous Ammonia: A Dangerous But Common Crime
Anhydrous ammonia is a common farm fertilizer that is essential for growing healthy crops. However, when used improperly, it can also be an ingredient in the illegal manufacture of methamphetamine. As a result, laws exist in many states that prohibit the unauthorized possession, transport, or tampering with containers and equipment used for storing and transporting anhydrous ammonia.
What is Anhydrous Ammonia?
Anhydrous ammonia is a colorless gas that is compressed into a liquid for easier transport and storage. When in liquid form, it is stored in specially designed tanks and containers that can safely hold the chemical under high pressure. Anhydrous ammonia has a very pungent odor, similar to household ammonia cleaning products.
Anhydrous ammonia is an essential crop nutrient used by farmers to fertilize fields. When applied to soil, the anhydrous ammonia gas is absorbed into the ground and provides a readily available source of nitrogen for plants. This helps increase crop yields. As a fertilizer, it is safe when properly handled.
Why Criminals Want It
While anhydrous ammonia has many legal uses, it has also become popular with criminals who use it to manufacture methamphetamine. The anhydrous ammonia is combined with other chemicals like pseudoephedrine to produce the illegal stimulant drug.
This has led to the rise of “anhydrous ammonia theft”, where criminals will steal containers or siphon ammonia from tanks on farms and industrial facilities. The theft of anhydrous ammonia poses a public safety risk and also causes economic harm to agricultural businesses.
Dangers of Mishandling Anhydrous Ammonia
Anhydrous ammonia is potentially very dangerous because of its toxicity and corrosive properties. The liquid chemical causes severe burns when it contacts skin, eyes, and other tissues. Inhaling anhydrous ammonia vapors can damage the lungs and even cause death in high concentrations.
If a container of pressurized liquid anhydrous ammonia ruptures or equipment fails, it can release large amounts of toxic fumes into the environment. This poses a risk to anyone nearby. There is also a fire and explosion hazard if ammonia gas accumulates in an enclosed space.
State Laws on Tampering with Anhydrous Ammonia Equipment
Many states have enacted laws that specifically prohibit tampering with anhydrous ammonia containers and related equipment. For example, in Kentucky:
“It shall be unlawful for any person to tamper with equipment, containers, or facilities used for the storage, transportation, distribution, use or application of anhydrous ammonia.”
The Texas Health and Safety Code states:
“A person commits an offense if the person… tampers with equipment that is manufactured or used to hold, apply, or transport anhydrous ammonia without the express consent of the owner of the equipment.”
These laws aim to deter would-be criminals from illegally obtaining anhydrous ammonia to manufacture methamphetamine. The penalties for breaking the anti-tampering laws are often similar to the penalties for possessing methamphetamine itself.
Penalties for Illegally Possessing Anhydrous Ammonia
Anyone who possesses anhydrous ammonia in an unauthorized container or tampers with legitimate storage equipment faces criminal charges. For example:
- In Texas, it is a 3rd degree felony punishable by 2-10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine
- In Nebraska, it is a Class IV felony with up to 2 years imprisonment and a $10,000 fine
- In Kentucky, it is a Class D felony with 1-5 years imprisonment
The illegal possession of anhydrous ammonia often leads to charges for intent to manufacture methamphetamine as well. These strict laws are meant to deter tampering and theft of ammonia.
Responsible Use and Safety Precautions are Essential
Anhydrous ammonia is safe when properly handled, but it requires great care by authorized and trained professionals. Some tips for safe use include:
- Wear goggles, gloves, and protective clothing when handling ammonia. Avoid skin/eye contact.
- Make sure all valves, hoses, and equipment are in good working order. Watch for leaks.
- Always have an emergency water supply available to flush spills from skin.
- Only transport or transfer ammonia using approved containers designed for it.
- Never tamper with or attempt to siphon ammonia tanks or equipment.
- Follow all safety procedures established by OSHA for managing ammonia.
- Keep unauthorized people away from ammonia storage areas.
By taking responsibility and using proper precautions, the agricultural industry can safely benefit from anhydrous ammonia without the risks.
The Dangers of Methamphetamine Addiction
The tampering with anhydrous ammonia is often done in order to obtain one of its ingredients to manufacture methamphetamine. However, meth is an incredibly dangerous and addictive illegal drug. Meth addiction can lead to:
- Aggressive or violent behavior
- Psychotic symptoms like hallucinations
- Stroke, organ damage, and heart failure
- Severe dental problems (“meth mouth”)
- Malnutrition and weight loss
- Increased transmission of HIV and hepatitis
The health effects of meth are extremely harmful. And the addiction causes loss of jobs, relationships, and livelihoods. The risks simply aren’t worth it.
Conclusion
Laws against tampering with anhydrous ammonia aim to prevent the theft and misuse of a hazardous chemical. While anhydrous ammonia is a safe fertilizer when used properly, it can also be misused to manufacture the dangerous drug methamphetamine. Strict anti-tampering laws and penalties exist in many states. However, responsible use and safety precautions by the agricultural industry are the best way to secure ammonia supplies. Methamphetamine addiction causes severe health effects and the risks far outweigh any perceived benefits.