Anhydrous ammonia is a key ingredient used in the manufacturing process of methanphetamines.

This time the Upshur County Sheriff's department caught the thief red-handed.

The chemical was stolen from the Cheyenne Sales Company in Hodgesville. The company is a coal mine and coal transport facility.

It uses the anhydrous to help reduce the polutants in the water around the company. The general manager of the plant says he estimates anhydrous has been stolen from his facility more than 50 times.

Upshur County Sheriff Virgil Miller says with the tanks so far from the main road it is tough to police them all the time.

Just last week, the company put a chain link fence with barbed wire around the anhydrous tanks to keep people out.

A day later the tanks were hit.

Sheriff Deputies arrested 28 year old Eric Rasnake for stealing anhydrous from Cheynne's tanks.

According to the general manager of Cheyenne Sales, Rasnake cut his way into the fence to tap into the anhydrous tanks.

While Rasnake stole the chemicals, Sheriff Deputies were watching the entire time and made their arrest.

Upshur County Sheriff Virgil Miller says most of the anhydrous tanks are far off of main roads, and trying to police them all the time is a challenge.

Virgil La Rosa the plant manager, tells 12 News that the thefts of the anhydrous have happened so much it has prompted the company to add surveillance cameras to the area.

Anhydrous Ammonia is a popular choice for people looking to make meth. There are many ways to make the drug, according to law enforcement, using anhydrous is the fastest way.

Another big reason to use the anhydrous, is its street value, while it may only cost the company 150 dollars it sells on the street for around 600 dollars.