Ammonia stolen; officials suspect meth use
By John Joyce
Published in News on January 9, 2015 1:46 PM
Ten pounds of anhydrous ammonia has been stolen from a fenced-in storage shed at the Airgas National Welders facility located at 109 Hinnant Road.
The theft took place between 5 p.m. Jan. 2 and 12 p.m. Jan 6.
"They only thing we know of this stuff to be used for is to manufacture meth," Capt. Richard Lewis said.
Known as the "anhydrous method," meth makers often use the chemical mixed with household products and the over-the-counter decongestant pseudoephedrine to cook up the illicit drug in homemade meth labs.
Special Agent Lauren Powell of the State Bureau of Investigation's Clandestine Crime Lab said the anhydrous ammonia is often used in rural areas for farming practices and other technical applications.
"But very often when it is stolen in a case like this it is to be used as a precursor chemical to manufacture methamphetamines," she said.
According to the report taken by deputies, unknown subjects cut through the chain link fence surrounding the property, broke the padlock off the shed door and removed the anhydrous ammonia from inside.
No one witnessed the break-in and no suspect information is listed on the report.
Wayne County Sheriff Larry Pierce was on scene with a team of investigators and is following the investigation.
He was unable to be reached for comment at the time of this report.
Lewis said investigators have been assigned to the case and are actively working it.
"They are out there beating the bushes," he said.