Authorities investigate theft of possibly explosive chemical

KOBTV-4 Albuquerque, NM ^ | 11/26/2003 | Todd Dukart

[1ofmanyfree]

Authorities investigate theft of possibly explosive chemical Last Update: 11/26/2003 4:29:42 PM By: Todd Dukart

Federal and local authorities are investigating 350 pounds of a potentially explosive chemical stolen from a Bernalillo County company.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Department say seven 50-pound bags of ammonium nitrate were stolen from Titan Energy, located off an Interstate 40 frontage road near Nine Mile Hill.

The chemical is not volatile by itself, but it can be dangerous. It’s commonly used as fertilizer and a component of explosives for mining and construction.

“There is a concern in this day and age because it is potentially an explosive and it is considered dangerous, and we’re making it a top priority to try and locate this stuff,” said Michelle Arviso Devlin of the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office.

A white Ford F-350 flatbed truck, which has the “Titan Energy” logo on the door, and a trailer were also stolen.

The theft was noticed Tuesday, but could have taken place sometime between November 19 and 25. Authorities say the items stolen are clearly marked as explosives and can be dangerous.

Anyone with information about this crime is asked to contact the ATF at (505) 346-6914 or the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Department at (505) 798-7000.

[1ofmanyfree]

Breaking on 5 o'clock news...

[Lunatic Fringe]

Maybe someone was just stealing the truck, with the trailer attached and the ammonium nitrate lying in the trailer. He probably doesn't even realize the ruckus he has caused.

[archy]

Completely unrelated. We hope.

-archy-/-

[Mo1]

I'm taking it that this story is different from the explosive that were stolen at the airport???

[Mo1]

PING!

[SpaceBar]

Some idiot thief was looking for a free truck and got a load of fertilizer as a bonus. Now what was grand theft auto has turned into a terrorist act fully prosecutable under the patriot act. Stay tuned...

[Peach]

The terrorists are reading and this thinking about how we've let our guard down, again and again.

[firehunter]

Yes, different explosives and different part of the country.

[RightWhale]

What is Titan Energy? Is it the natural gas and electric utility?

[RIGHT IN SEATTLE]

I've a friend that has a fireworks factory in PA. I've been there many times helping.

After watching that video, I'll call and say hello.

[1ofmanyfree]

From what they showed on the tube, only a ranch/cattle double gate with a cheesy lock and chain as security with signs saying "Explosives - do NOT attempt to extinguish in case of fire".

My guess is they were working on highway construction or maybe mining/ seismic survey project and this was a staging yard. With NO SECURITY!

[RightWhale]

If they say EXPLOSIVES on the front gate, seems they would have to provide security. At least an old retired guy with a 4-cell flashlight. Isn't that per State statutes?

[1ofmanyfree]

Yeah, we must insist on Bi-lingual labeling on all explosives. Sheesh. See # 11

[RightWhale]

But ammonium nitrate isn't explosive until it is prepared, so there may have been no prepared explosives. The worst it would do is cause a rash.

[1ofmanyfree]

We can only hope.

[1ofmanyfree]

Was it ever up?

[templar]

The terrorists are reading and this thinking about how we've let our guard down, again and again.

Yeah, we're letting the stuff be stolen instead of insisting it be bought at the local hardware store garden shop for a few bucks a bag.

[1ofmanyfree]

Not familiar with the current regs. but that would seem logical. This kind of stuff must stop.

[firehunter]

But the ANFO in questione IS explosive.
It is in 50 lbs. bags that are labeled..EXPLOSIVES.

[RightWhale]

Is it ANFO or ammonium nitrate? Did they identify it? ANFO would be an explosive and should have been under guard or lock and key.