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Farmers Can Prevent Crimes

In a workshop sponsored by the Hancock County Farm Bureau, OSU Extension and the Chamber of Commerce, farmers in Hancock County learned how they can help prevent drug production.

The farmers learned of the dangers of methamphetamine drugs. Drug producers have been caught stealing anhydrous ammonia from local farmers to make the drug. Farmers learned of new ways to lock-up their tanks and hoses. They were also told to watch for strange vehicles and people lurking around their farms.

Farmers should also consider these preventive methods:

• Take delivery of tanks as close to the time of use as possible. Return tanks as soon as possible.
• Bleed pressure and remove tank hoses when not in use. One hose contains enough ammonia to make meth.
• Store hoses in separate areas from tanks in easily observed areas.
• Avoid storing tanks and tool bars inside buildings or near farmhouses or livestock confinements when not in use.

Participants heard from Gary Wilson, Hancock County agricultural Extension agent; Joe Hostetler, risk coordinator for Blanchard Valley Farmers Cooperative; Sgt. Scott Lowery, supervisor of the drug taskforce for the Findlay Police Department; and Hancock County Sheriff Michael Heldman. The speakers told the group that a couple of moving meth labs have already been shut down in Hancock County.

Referred to as "meth" or by the street names of "crank," "ice," "chalk," "glass" or "yaba," the drug is a bitter tasting, white crystalline powder that can be smoked, injected, snorted or taken orally. Meth alters the chemistry of the brain and causes severe damage to internal organs.

The making of meth creates public health risks, including the contamination of soil and water from the toxic waste generated from the labs. Meth producers often occupy abandoned homes or structures, hotel rooms, rented storage spaces, automobile trunks and secluded areas.