Farmer says he saw anhydrous ammonia theft; two arrested

LITHIUM, Mo. -- Two men face various drug charges after deputies allegedly caught them stealing anhydrous ammonia from a Perry County farmer Wednesday.

Thomas B. Wilson, 31, of Paris, Mo., and Joseph H. Hendrix, 41, of Fenton, Mo., are in custody pending misdemeanor and felony charges of drug and paraphernalia possession and theft of anhydrous ammonia, according to the Perry County Sheriff's Department.

A farmer called authorities at about 5:30 a.m. when he reportedly saw Hendrix stealing the anhydrous ammonia from his tank on his property in Lithium.

Anhydrous ammonia is an ingredient used to manufacture methamphetamine.

Sheriff Gary Schaff said Hendrix admitted to authorities he and Wilson were stealing the anhydrous ammonia to sell for $800 and drugs.