Hazardous Materials Programs

Methamphetamine cooks are buying propane tanks from exchange places such as Wal-Mart and Kroger, and emptying the propane gas. Then they fill the propane tanks with anhydrous ammonia to cook Methamphetamine. After they are finished with the propane tanks, they return them to the store. The stores refill the tanks with propane gas, unaware of the improper substance that was inserted in the tanks, and sell them to their consumers. Anhydrous ammonia is very corrosive and weakens the structure of the tank. It can be very dangerous when mixed with propane gas and hooked up to a grill, recreation vehicle, etc.

When purchasing a propane tank, you should inspect the tank for any blue or greenish residue around the valve areas. If there are evidences of these substances, do not purchase the propane tank, and advise the vendor of your findings immediately.