Look for the blue

By BRAD DICKERSON
Glasgow Daily Times

GLASGOW June 27, 2008 03:23 pm

— Area grill enthusiasts are asked to be cautious this summer before cooking those hamburgers and hot dogs.
The National Propane Association advises that methamphetamine cooks are getting propane tanks from exchanges at Wal-Mart, Lowe’s and other stores, emptying them of the propane and refilling them with anhydrous ammonia, which is used in the production of meth.
Once the individuals are finished using them, the tanks are returned to the stores, refilled with propane and sold back to the general public.
Since anhydrous ammonia is corrosive, it weakens the structure of the tank, thus putting the griller in potential danger.
Glasgow Fire Department Chief Bobby Bunnell said the tank’s valve assembly will turn a “very distinctive” blue if it has been filled with anhydrous ammonia.
“This is a tell sign that we’ve actually seen in working with law enforcement when we’ve had a meth lab situation,” Bunnell said.
Bunnell said if anyone comes in contact with such a tank, “do not hook it up to your grill.”