Drugs have found two new unsuspecting victims: farmers and agriculture.

For the first time in one Minnesota county’s history, the sheriff’s department has charged someone, actually three people, with siphoning anhydrous ammonia from tanks left in fields or at farm supply stores.

The chemicals stored inside the tanks is one of the main ingredients used by manufactures of methamphetamine. And the problem isn’t just found in Grant County, Authorities are keeping close watch on the entire area for this new target for meth makers.

When people are using the common farming chemical to produce an illegal drug, they are risking their lives and those of others by tapping into the anhydrous gas. The chemical is highly flammable and so dangerous that some of the thieves wear gas masks and rubber gloves to protect themselves.

It’s one thing for a person to put his/her own life on the line for a cheap high or quick cash. But, there is no possible explanation to put innocent lives at stake.

Authorities are correct in committing a good portion of manpower to this newest trend in meth manufacturing. If not stopped, it will only add to the growing drug problem in the area. It also should give a boost to a measure currently sponsored by Rep. Jeff Anderson, R-Austin, that would make it a crime for someone to be found with materials used to make methamphetamine.