A relatively new problem has presented itself to local farmers and law enforcement agencies.

Theft of anhydrous ammonia is causing concern for the farming industry, and it is adding to the difficulties faced by law enforcement fighting area drug production.

Anhydrous ammonia is a vapor nutrient base that increases crop yield. Farmers have been using it for several years. It has become popular because it’s cheaper per unit to use than the liquid or dry nutrient bases used in the past.

In addition to its agricultural use, anhydrous is also a key element used in the manufacturing of methamphetamine.

Small amounts of the gas can be used to make large amounts of meth. And because of its increased use by farmers, it has become more available to those who wish to steal it to make the drug.

Although theft of anhydrous ammonia is a fairly new occurrence, Chief Deputy Chris Jennings of the Newton County Sheriff’s Department, said it has become a big problem and a major area of concern.

“In the last three or four years, theft of anhydrous has increased a great deal, and law enforcement officials are making greater strides to combat it,” Jennings said.

Jennings said when there are repeated thefts in an isolated area, different types of surveillance are set up in attempts to catch the thieves in the act. This type of surveillance has resulted in numerous identifications and arrests.

Another device used to deter would-be thieves is a new lock, which fertilizer companies have been installing on the valves that distribute the anhydrous. But, these cannot completely protect a farmer’s property.

Martin Hoelsi, a Lamar farmer, said that the new valve locks have become a hassle to some farmers.

“At the end of a day, some farmers may not lock anhydrous valves because they are strapped for time or because they are not used to the new locks, and they forget,” Hoelsi said.

Theft of the gas is hard to prevent.

“If someone wants to steal something bad enough, they are going to get it one way or another,” Jennings said. “The individual farmers and their suppliers can take every precaution they want, but these thefts are still going to occur.”

All it takes to steal the gas is “a tank like you find under a gas grill, or if you’re stupid enough, a five-gallon can,” Hoelsi said.

Jennings compares protecting anhydrous supplies to protecting a home. Simple steps can aid in deterring thieves, such as keeping the gas locked up, keeping it in a well-lit area and checking on it frequently when it is not in use.

Anhydrous is a dangerous chemical that seeks out and attacks moisture wherever it finds it.

If not handled properly, it can cause serious injury to the eyes, lungs and other human organs that retain a high amount of moisture.

It can even cause death by asphyxiation if exposure is high enough.

“This stuff is very dangerous, and it is not something to be used without proper knowledge of it and its uses,” Hoelsi said.

The penalty for theft of anhydrous ammonia can vary from case to case, depending on the amount stolen and the evidence law enforcement officials have.

Jennings said the charge can be simply a regular theft charge, or if the theft is proven to be tied to a meth lab, the charge can be more severe.

“It is not hard to tie an individual theft of anhydrous to a meth lab, because other than the agricultural use, there is no other use for it than the manufacturing of meth,” Jennings said.

The fight against the manufacturing of meth and other related crimes, such as anhydrous theft, is an on going struggle for local farmers and law enforcement, but it is one that is being addressed.

“The word is getting out,” he said. “And although anhydrous theft remains a growing problem, we are deterring would-be thieves every day.”