Anhydrous-ammonia meth resurfaces

Published 11:05 am Friday, December 9, 2005



THOMASVILLE — The return of the farming season brings back methamphetamine made with anhydrous ammonia.

Meth-cookers have been making their products using the red-phosphorus method. Red phosphorus is found on the strike plates on match boxes and match books.

Anhydrous ammonia is used by farmers — the only people who can legally purchase the substance — as fertilizer. The chemical produces a higher yield of methamphetamine.

“With anhydrous, you have straight chemical reaction. You don’t have to have a hotplate or heat,” Kevin Lee, Thomas County/Thomasville Narcotics/Vice Division supervisor, explained.

Narcotics/vice agents arrested a man Sunday night who told lawmen the meth he had was made with anhydrous ammonia.

Agents executed a search warrant Sunday night at a residence in the 4000 block of Lee White Road near Ochlocknee.

“While we were there, we received information that a Curtis McMillon would be delivering a quantity of methamphetamine to the location,” Lee said.

Agents set up surveillance. “We were familiar with McMillon from prior dealings,” Lee explained.

About 9:30 p.m., a red pickup pulled into the driveway. “Agents knew McMillon drove a red pickup,” Lee said.

McMillon was traveling alone. On his person, agents found a pill bottle containing a plastic wrap of methamphetamine.

Email newsletter signup