NEWS RELEASE



For further information please contact: Sgt. Sid Conklin

DDCC72704-22 (573) 751-3452



July 27, 2004

EMPHASIS: Recovery of Anhydrous Ammonia Tank



Captain Ronald K. Replogle, Director of the Division of Drug and Control (DDCC) announces that a stolen 1,000-gallon anhydrous ammonia tank was recovered in Andrew County, Missouri. The recovery of the anhydrous tank is the result of a joint investigation with the Andrew County Sheriff’s Department, Holt County Sheriff’s Department, and DDCC Criminal and Narcotics Investigators.



Captain Replogle said the tank that had been stolen on July 1, 2004 from Sur-Grow in Forest City, Missouri was completely buried and disguised with a brush pile at the time of discovery. Captain Replogle said that anhydrous ammonia is a key ingredient used in the illegal production of methamphetamine.

William R. Bechtold, age 48, of Savannah, Missouri was arrested and is being held in the Andrew County Jail.



The above arrest is a mere accusation and is not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of the arrest must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.