If it rains, a tank may be left unattended by the side of the road for a few days until the field dries out. Anhydrous ammonia is both dangerous and inexpensive. It is an essential ingredient in the manufacture of methamphetamine, law enforcement officials say, and it is the only one that cannot easily be purchased over the counter. In Shelbyville, the general manager of the Lakeland FS farm-supply chain, said he and other fertilizer dealers are worried about the dangers to the community. It will burn your eyes, burn your skin.
People have no idea what they're dealing with.
They'll cut through fences and shoot out the lights. There's no way to stop them. In June, Sheriff Randy Sims was helping to build a baseball diamond in Oconee, Ill., when his office reported that thieves were stealing ammonia a block away. Sims gave chase in his pickup truck. His windows were down, he recalled, because his truck was not air-conditioned.