Fertilize tank locks program being repealed in ND

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Officials are set to scrap a program in five North Dakota counties that aimed to combat methamphetamine labs by requiring farmers to lock tanks of a fertilizer used to make meth.

Farmers say it's been a hassle. Law officers say it's been difficult to enforce.

Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem (STEHN’-juhm) says it's likely to be repealed because officials have found a more effective way to crack down on meth labs. North Dakota has restricted sales of pseudoephedrine, an ingredient in cold medications that's necessary to make any form of meth.

The program approved by lawmakers in 2003 required farmers and chemical dealers to lock valves on unattended mobile tanks of anhydrous fertilizer. It started in Williams and McKenzie counties and later expanded to Walsh, Pembina and Cavalier counties.

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